Cox Enterprises Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cox Enterprises has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, operations, legal affairs, and administration.

Driven by a legacy of innovation, Cox Enterprises focuses on sustainable business practices and community development, operating across communications, automotive, and media industries while expanding into emerging technologies.

Leadership Roles at Cox Enterprises

  • Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, CW Interests - James Weaver
  • President & Chief Financial Officer​ - Dallas Clement
  • President, Cox Outdoors - Will Thorburn
  • Senior VP & Chief Information Officer - Carolyn Pleiss
  • Chief Financial and Administrative Officer - Perley McBride
  • Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer - Jennifer Hightower
  • Senior VP & General Counsel - Sonya Middleton
  • James Weaver - Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, CW Interests

    James Weaver, the Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, CW Interests at Cox Enterprises, directs the overarching strategy and governance for the global conglomerate. Weaver's leadership guides the company's diverse operations across communications, automotive, and media sectors, ensuring alignment with its long-term vision. This executive role involves setting the strategic direction for major subsidiaries like Cox Communications and Cox Automotive, and overseeing expansion into new technology sectors such as clean technology and healthcare. Weaver's responsibilities extend to maintaining the company's commitment to sustainable business practices and community development, reflecting its status as a family-owned business. The Chairman role involves guiding the board's strategic oversight and ensuring robust corporate governance. James Weaver's influence shapes the company's market position and its approach to innovation and investment across its global footprint.
    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 management. Clement oversees all fiscal operations, including financial planning, capital allocation, investor relations, and risk management, ensuring the financial health and growth of the conglomerate. This executive position involves guiding the financial performance of major subsidiaries and strategic investments in new industries. The President role extends to overseeing key administrative functions and driving operational efficiencies across the organization. Dallas Clement's financial acumen is crucial for supporting Cox Enterprises' expansion into emerging technologies and its commitment to sustainable business practices. By managing the company's financial resources effectively, Clement enables strategic initiatives and reinforces the company's long-term stability and market leadership.
    Dallas Clement

    Will Thorburn - President, Cox Outdoors

    Will Thorburn, the President, Cox Outdoors at Cox Enterprises, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for the company's outdoor advertising division. Thorburn drives growth and innovation within this segment, focusing on maximizing market presence and revenue generation across diverse geographic locations. This leadership role involves overseeing sales, marketing, and operational teams to ensure seamless service delivery and client satisfaction. Thorburn's responsibilities include identifying new market opportunities and developing strategies to enhance the value proposition of Cox Outdoors' advertising platforms. The President's focus is on optimizing the performance of outdoor media assets and adapting to evolving advertising trends. Will Thorburn's leadership ensures Cox Outdoors remains a key player in the media industry, contributing to the overall success of Cox Enterprises.
    Will Thorburn

    Carolyn Pleiss - Senior VP & Chief Information Officer

    Carolyn Pleiss, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer at Cox Enterprises, architects and executes the company's global technology strategy. Pleiss oversees all information technology infrastructure, digital transformation initiatives, and cybersecurity measures across Cox's diverse business units, including Cox Communications and Cox Automotive. This critical role ensures that technology investments support operational efficiency, innovation, and the company's expansion into emerging sectors like clean technology. Pleiss drives the integration of advanced technologies to enhance customer experiences and streamline internal processes. The Chief Information Officer's purview includes managing data analytics capabilities and fostering a culture of technological advancement. Carolyn Pleiss's leadership ensures Cox Enterprises maintains a competitive edge through robust and forward-thinking IT operations, supporting sustainable business practices and community development goals.
    Carolyn Pleiss

    Perley McBride - Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

    Perley McBride, the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer at Cox Enterprises, manages critical financial functions and administrative operations supporting the company's diverse business portfolio. McBride oversees financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring fiscal discipline and strategic resource allocation across communications, automotive, and media sectors. This executive role also encompasses the oversight of key administrative departments, driving operational efficiency and supporting the company's strategic objectives. Perley McBride's responsibilities include managing financial risks and optimizing administrative processes to enhance overall business performance. The Chief Financial and Administrative Officer plays a vital part in supporting Cox Enterprises' growth initiatives and its commitment to sustainable business practices. McBride's dual focus ensures robust financial management and streamlined administrative support for all company operations.
    Perley McBride
    Jennifer Hightower, the Executive VP & Chief Legal Officer at Cox Enterprises, directs the company's extensive legal strategy and compliance framework. Hightower provides critical legal guidance on corporate matters, regulatory affairs, and strategic transactions, ensuring adherence to legal standards across all business units. This senior executive position involves managing a team of legal professionals to support Cox Communications, Cox Automotive, and other ventures. Hightower's responsibilities include overseeing corporate governance, risk management, and the legal aspects of mergers and acquisitions. The Chief Legal Officer's role is pivotal in navigating the complex legal environments of the industries Cox Enterprises operates within. Jennifer Hightower's leadership ensures the company operates with integrity and mitigates legal risks, supporting its long-term vision and commitment to community development.
    Jennifer Hightower

    Sonya Middleton - Senior VP & General Counsel

    Sonya Middleton, the Senior VP & General Counsel at Cox Enterprises, provides comprehensive legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the global conglomerate. Middleton's expertise guides the company through complex regulatory landscapes, contract negotiations, and litigation matters across its communications, automotive, and media operations. This executive role ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, safeguarding the company's interests and reputation. The General Counsel's purview includes managing intellectual property, corporate governance, and risk mitigation strategies. Sonya Middleton's strategic legal guidance is essential for supporting Cox Enterprises' expansion into new technologies and its commitment to ethical business practices. By ensuring robust legal frameworks, Middleton supports sustainable growth and community development initiatives.

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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 Financial 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 Financial Officer​), Will Thorburn (President, Cox Outdoors) 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 Outdoors, Senior VP & Chief Information Officer, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer.