ATLANTA -

In breaking news this morning, Cox Enterprises revealed that Manheim’s Dean Eisner is retiring this summer and that a new president of Manheim has been appointed.

Picked to fill that position is Sandy Schwartz, who has been with Cox for more than 25 years, including his most recent post as president of Cox Media Group.

“Sandy’s extensive automotive, online and media experience is a valuable asset to Cox Enterprises," said Jimmy Hayes, president and chief executive officer of Cox Enterprises, to whom Schwartz will continue to report.

“Sandy has a broad and deep understanding of our Cox businesses and unique culture, and I am delighted for him to bring his expertise to Manheim. Under his leadership, Cox Media Group has thrived through transformation and he will bring the same innovative thinking to Manheim,” he added.

Schwartz joined Cox in 1985 at Tribune Newspapers in Arizona where he served in a number of roles before becoming president and publisher in 1995. From 1996 to 2001, he served as executive vice president of the Austin-American Statesman, and also spent time as vice president and general manager of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, executive vice president of Cox Newspapers and vice president of business development for Cox Enterprises. He went on to become president of Cox Auto Trader.

Meanwhile, Eisner’s career at Cox will wind down after 19 years. Before his Manheim leadership, Eisner was Cox’s vice president of business development.

"Dean has done a tremendous job of growing Manheim’s international presence, championing its early entry into the critically important online arena, and navigating the business through a tumultuous economy while setting in place Manheim’s broad-sweeping, accelerated transformation process," Hayes said. "We are grateful for his talent, dedication and service."

Until he officially retires this summer, Eisner will serve as an adviser to Schwartz.

As a side note, Chip Perry, president and CEO of AutoTrader.com, a Cox subsidiary, will continue to report to Schwartz.