ATLANTA -

With longtime Cox Automotive executive Janet Barnard retiring at the end of the month, the company announced on Tuesday who its new chief people officer is.

Cox Automotive said through a news release that Michele Parks is taking on this position, leading a team responsible for recruiting, developing and managing talent for more than 25 brands.

In her new role, Parks will report to Steve Rowley, president of Cox Automotive.

“I’m excited that Michele chose to join us because I believe she’s the right leader to continue the evolution of the team,” Rowley said in the news release. “She’ll ensure that the team’s vision and capabilities continue to keep pace with our fast-moving business, which will be especially important as we continue implementing our strategic growth plan.”

Previously, Parks served as senior vice president of HR service delivery at Cox Communications. The company highlighted Parks has been a key leader in COVID-related employee support efforts across the enterprise over the last 15 months and has years of expertise in employee relations, service delivery, executive development, talent management, EEOC & compliance, and recruitment.

Parks came to Cox in 2006 with experience from Walt Disney World Resorts and Charter Communications.