Cox Enterprises Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cox Enterprises has 7 executives leading key functions including finance, strategy, technology, legal, philanthropy, outdoor operations, and human resources.

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

Leadership Roles at Cox Enterprises

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

    James Weaver, the Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, CW Interests at Cox Enterprises, sets the overarching strategic direction for the entire organization. Weaver guides the company's expansion into new industries and technologies, including significant investments in clean technology and healthcare, while upholding the legacy of a family-owned business. This executive leadership role involves fostering innovation across major subsidiaries like Cox Communications and Cox Automotive, ensuring alignment with the company's mission of sustainable business practices and community development. Weaver's responsibilities include shaping the corporate culture and driving operational excellence across media, automotive, and communications sectors. By championing strategic initiatives and overseeing key corporate governance, James Weaver ensures Cox Enterprises maintains its global presence and commitment to long-term value creation. The vision provided by Weaver is fundamental to the company's continued success and its impact on the industries it serves.
    James Weaver

    Dallas Clement - President & Chief Financial Officer

    Dallas Clement, the President & Chief Financial Officer at Cox Enterprises, directs the company's comprehensive financial strategy and operational oversight. Clement manages all fiscal activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation, ensuring financial health across the conglomerate's diverse business units. This leadership role involves optimizing financial performance and driving sustainable growth, aligning fiscal objectives with the company's long-term vision. Clement also oversees strategic planning initiatives, identifying opportunities for investment and expansion into new markets and technologies, particularly in clean technology and healthcare sectors. By maintaining robust financial controls and fostering strategic partnerships, Dallas Clement ensures the company's economic stability and supports its mission of community development and sustainable business practices. The financial acumen provided by Clement is critical for navigating complex market dynamics and achieving operational excellence across Cox Enterprises' global footprint.
    Dallas Clement

    Nancy Rigby - President, Cox Foundations

    Nancy Rigby, the President, Cox Foundations at Cox Enterprises, directs the philanthropic initiatives and community engagement strategies of the organization. Rigby oversees the allocation of resources and the development of programs that support community development and sustainable practices across the regions where Cox Enterprises operates. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with non-profit organizations and driving impact through strategic grant-making and volunteerism. Rigby ensures that the foundations' activities align with the company's core values and its commitment to making a positive difference. By championing social responsibility and community investment, Nancy Rigby plays a vital part in enhancing the company's reputation and its contribution to societal well-being. The dedication of Rigby to philanthropic endeavors reinforces Cox Enterprises' identity as a responsible corporate citizen.
    Nancy Rigby

    Will Thorburn - President, Cox Outdoors

    Will Thorburn, the President, Cox Outdoors at Cox Enterprises, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the company's outdoor advertising division. Thorburn oversees the expansion and optimization of outdoor media assets, driving revenue growth and market penetration across key geographic regions. This executive role involves innovating advertising solutions and leveraging technology to enhance client campaigns and audience engagement. Thorburn collaborates with sales and marketing teams to develop integrated strategies that capitalize on market trends and consumer behavior. By ensuring operational efficiency and fostering strong client relationships, Will Thorburn contributes significantly to the company's diverse portfolio and its overall financial performance. The leadership provided by Thorburn is instrumental in maintaining Cox Outdoors' position as a leader in the advertising industry.
    Will Thorburn

    Carolyn Pleiss - Chief Information Officer & Senior VP

    Carolyn Pleiss, the Chief Information Officer & Senior VP at Cox Enterprises, architects the company's technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Pleiss oversees the integration of advanced technologies across communications, automotive, and media sectors, ensuring robust IT infrastructure and cybersecurity measures. This leadership position involves driving innovation in digital platforms and data analytics to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. Pleiss collaborates with other executive leaders to align technology investments with business objectives, supporting the company's expansion into emerging fields like clean technology. By managing the company's technological resources and driving digital solutions, Carolyn Pleiss ensures Cox Enterprises remains competitive and adaptable in a rapidly evolving market. The strategic implementation of technology under Pleiss's direction is crucial for supporting the company's growth and its commitment to sustainable practices.
    Carolyn Pleiss
    Jennifer Hightower, the Chief Legal Officer & Executive VP at Cox Enterprises, provides critical legal counsel and strategic guidance across the organization. Hightower manages all legal affairs, ensuring compliance with regulations and mitigating risks associated with the company's diverse operations in communications, automotive, and media. This executive role involves overseeing corporate governance, intellectual property, and litigation, safeguarding the company's interests globally. Hightower collaborates closely with leadership to navigate complex legal landscapes, particularly concerning new investments in clean technology and healthcare sectors. By ensuring adherence to legal standards and ethical practices, Jennifer Hightower supports the company's commitment to sustainable business operations and community development. The legal expertise provided by Hightower is essential for maintaining the integrity and stability of Cox Enterprises as a family-owned conglomerate.
    Jennifer Hightower

    Karen Bennett - Chief People Officer & Executive VP

    Karen Bennett, the Chief People Officer & Executive VP at Cox Enterprises, shapes the company's human capital strategy and cultivates a positive organizational culture. Bennett oversees all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee development, compensation, and benefits, ensuring alignment with the company's mission and values. This executive leadership position focuses on fostering an inclusive and engaging work environment that supports employee growth and retention across the conglomerate's diverse sectors. Bennett collaborates with other leaders to implement initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to enhance employee well-being. By championing people-centric policies and driving talent management strategies, Karen Bennett ensures Cox Enterprises attracts and retains top talent, critical for innovation and sustained success. The focus on people by Bennett is fundamental to the company's operational strength and its commitment to community development.
    Karen Bennett

    Explore Leadership Teams in Holding Companies & Conglomerates

    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 Financial Officer) and Nancy Rigby (President, Cox Foundations).
    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 Financial Officer), Nancy Rigby (President, Cox Foundations) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cox Enterprises have?
    Cox Enterprises has 7 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 Financial Officer, President, Cox Foundations, President, Cox Outdoors, Chief Information Officer & Senior VP.