Cox Enterprises Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cox Enterprises has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, technology, legal, people, and specific business units.

Driven by a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Cox Enterprises operates as a global conglomerate across communications, automotive, and media, actively investing in emerging technologies and community development.

Leadership Roles at Cox Enterprises

  • Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, CW Interests - James Weaver
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Dallas Clement
  • President, Cox Outdoors - Will Thorburn
  • President, Cox Foundations - Nancy Rigby
  • Chief Information Officer & Senior VP - Carolyn Pleiss
  • Chief Financial and Administrative Officer - Perley McBride
  • Chief People Officer & Executive VP - Karen Bennett
  • Chief Legal Officer & Executive VP - Jennifer Hightower
  • James Weaver - Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, CW Interests

    James Weaver, the Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, CW Interests at Cox Enterprises, sets the strategic direction and oversees the overall performance of the global conglomerate. Weaver's leadership guides Cox Enterprises through its operations in communications, automotive, and media industries, ensuring alignment with the company's mission and values. This executive role involves driving growth initiatives, fostering innovation, and managing key stakeholder relationships, including those with the family ownership. The Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, CW Interests champions the company's commitment to sustainable business practices and community development, reinforcing its position as a responsible corporate citizen. By steering the company's expansion into emerging technologies and sectors like clean technology and healthcare, James Weaver ensures Cox Enterprises remains at the forefront of industry evolution and market impact.
    James Weaver

    Dallas Clement - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Dallas Clement, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Cox Enterprises, directs the day-to-day operational execution and strategic implementation across the company's diverse portfolio. Clement's responsibilities encompass optimizing business processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring the seamless integration of major subsidiaries like Cox Communications and Cox Automotive. This critical role involves driving performance improvements and fostering a culture of excellence throughout the organization. The President & Chief Operating Officer plays a key part in managing the company's global presence and its expansion into new markets and technologies, including clean technology and healthcare investments. By overseeing operational strategies, Dallas Clement directly contributes to Cox Enterprises' sustained growth and its commitment to sustainable business practices and community engagement.
    Dallas Clement

    Will Thorburn - President, Cox Outdoors

    Will Thorburn, the President, Cox Outdoors at Cox Enterprises, leads the strategic vision and operational management for the company's outdoor advertising division. Thorburn focuses on driving revenue growth, expanding market reach, and enhancing the value proposition of Cox Outdoors' assets. This leadership position involves overseeing sales, marketing, and operational teams to ensure superior client service and campaign effectiveness. The President, Cox Outdoors is instrumental in adapting the business to evolving media landscapes and digital advertising trends, ensuring the division remains competitive. By leveraging innovative strategies and data-driven insights, Will Thorburn contributes significantly to Cox Enterprises' overall media industry performance and its commitment to delivering impactful advertising solutions.
    Will Thorburn

    Nancy Rigby - President, Cox Foundations

    Nancy Rigby, the President, Cox Foundations at Cox Enterprises, leads the philanthropic arm of the company, directing strategic investments in community development and social impact initiatives. Rigby oversees the allocation of resources to support non-profit organizations and programs that align with Cox Enterprises' commitment to improving communities. This leadership role involves identifying key areas for philanthropic focus, fostering partnerships, and measuring the impact of grant-making activities. The President, Cox Foundations ensures that the company's charitable efforts effectively address critical societal needs and contribute to sustainable community growth. By guiding the Cox Foundations, Nancy Rigby reinforces the company's dedication to corporate social responsibility and its role as a positive force in the regions it serves.
    Nancy Rigby

    Carolyn Pleiss - Chief Information Officer & Senior VP

    Carolyn Pleiss, the Chief Information Officer & Senior VP at Cox Enterprises, directs the company's overarching technology strategy and information systems. Pleiss oversees the development and implementation of robust IT infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations across Cox Enterprises' diverse business units, including communications and automotive sectors. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity initiatives, data governance, and digital transformation projects critical to maintaining the company's competitive edge. By optimizing technological resources, Pleiss drives efficiency and innovation, directly supporting Cox Enterprises' expansion into clean technology and healthcare. The Chief Information Officer & Senior VP ensures that all technology investments align with the company's long-term vision and sustainable business practices. Carolyn Pleiss's strategic oversight of information technology is fundamental to the company's operational integrity and future growth trajectory.
    Carolyn Pleiss

    Perley McBride - Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

    Perley McBride, the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer at Cox Enterprises, manages the company's financial health, administrative operations, and strategic resource allocation. McBride oversees all aspects of financial planning, accounting, treasury, and risk management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth. This executive role is crucial for guiding the company's investments in emerging technologies and new business sectors, including clean technology and healthcare. The Chief Financial and Administrative Officer also directs administrative functions, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance across the global organization. By providing strategic financial leadership, Perley McBride supports Cox Enterprises' long-term objectives and its commitment to sound business practices and community development.
    Perley McBride

    Karen Bennett - Chief People Officer & Executive VP

    Karen Bennett, the Chief People Officer & Executive VP at Cox Enterprises, leads the human resources strategy and organizational development initiatives across the global conglomerate. Bennett is responsible for cultivating a strong company culture, attracting and retaining top talent, and implementing comprehensive employee engagement programs. This executive role focuses on fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment that aligns with Cox Enterprises' values and commitment to community development. The Chief People Officer & Executive VP oversees talent management, compensation and benefits, and learning and development functions, ensuring the workforce is equipped to drive innovation and growth. By prioritizing people strategies, Karen Bennett directly contributes to the company's success in its communications, automotive, and media sectors.
    Karen Bennett
    Jennifer Hightower, the Chief Legal Officer & Executive VP at Cox Enterprises, provides strategic legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the global organization. Hightower manages corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation across the company's diverse business units, including communications, automotive, and media. This critical role involves advising on complex transactions, intellectual property matters, and litigation strategy, ensuring legal frameworks support business objectives. The Chief Legal Officer & Executive VP plays a vital part in navigating the legal implications of Cox Enterprises' expansion into emerging technologies and new sectors. By ensuring robust legal oversight, Jennifer Hightower safeguards the company's interests and upholds its commitment to ethical business practices and community development.
    Jennifer Hightower

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cox Enterprises Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cox Enterprises?
    Cox Enterprises is led by James Weaver (Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, CW Interests), along with executives such as Dallas Clement (President & Chief Operating Officer) and Will Thorburn (President, Cox Outdoors).
    Who is part of Cox Enterprises’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cox Enterprises includes leaders such as James Weaver (Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, CW Interests), Dallas Clement (President & Chief Operating Officer), Will Thorburn (President, Cox Outdoors) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cox Enterprises have?
    Cox Enterprises has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cox Enterprises’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cox Enterprises includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, CW Interests, President & Chief Operating Officer, President, Cox Outdoors, President, Cox Foundations, Chief Information Officer & Senior VP.