CARY, N.C. -

Chintan Talati grew up in San Antonio but wanted to live in California, particularly Los Angeles, for two reasons.

“I wanted to live near the ocean and watch the Lakers play in person,” Talati said.

When searching for employment in his desired location, Talati came across a public relations job listing for Edmunds.com.

“At the time, I didn’t know too much about the company. But after learning more about it, I was really interested in the position,” Talati said. “Luckily, I got hired, and I’ve had the opportunity to advance my career in the auto industry beyond that first job.

“I love the business aspect and seeing our industry continue to thrive. I wouldn’t want to be in any other industry. I wasn’t a car guy before, but I am one now,” he continued.

Talati is still in California near the ocean and the Lakers, but now he executes strategic PR campaigns that raise awareness of Atlanta-based Cox Automotive, which now also includes one of his previous employers — Kelley Blue Book.

“I’m particularly proud to have worked at Kelley Blue Book as it enhanced its brand and now has become an integral component in Cox Automotive building its reputations as a company that provides solutions and tools to its customers while growing the business of its brands and the corporation,” Talati said.

When not admiring the scenic Pacific Ocean or what’s happening with the Lakers, Talati noted the accomplishments of a wide array of high-profile auto executives.

“From a leadership perspective, I really admire what Mary Barra and Mark Fields have done at General Motors and Ford, respectively,” Talati said. The automotive industry has gone through a massive transformation, and they are leading their brands to become leaders in the automotive industry through fast-paced innovation, the likes of which we’ve never seen from these companies.

“Some of that is due to another leader I admire, Tesla’s Elon Musk,” Talati went on to say. “He has pushed all automakers to think of new ways to create vehicles that will lead to the industry’s transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. He’s made electric vehicles look ‘cool.’”

Chintan Talati, 38, is senior director, Public Relations Solutions Group PR at Cox Automotive.

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