Jessica Stafford joined Autotrader in 2007 as the associate manager of digital marketing. Her ability to market adaptively and boldly navigate an increasingly complex business environment fueled her swift journey to Vice President, Marketing of Cox Automotive Media Solutions Group which includes powerhouse brands Autotrader, Dealer.com and Kelley Blue Book. She leads a team that executes all marketing and advertising initiatives, drives creative strategy and design and is ultimately responsible for proving client value by driving millions of car shoppers to sellers’ online automotive inventory every day.
Stafford’s multi-channel creative campaigns and high-profile sports and entertainment sponsorships such as NBA on TNT and NASCAR have helped make Autotrader a household name. She has been recognized as one of AdWeek’s Rising Stars as well as AutoRemarketing’s 40 Under 40 and top Women in Remarketing.
Jessica’s unique insights guided several successful shifts in the company’s media strategy from the evolution of social and ascent of video to ensuring strategies are platform and device agnostic. She also oversaw the transformation of Autotrader’s brand positioning and corporate identity in 2015. Most recently, Jessica led the integration of marketing and sales enablement efforts for the three pioneer brands’ she oversees, bringing them together for stretagic business initiatives, yet keeping distinct consumer brands.
Prior to Cox Automtive, Jessica held strategic roles at several digital advertising agencies, launching digital programs and integrating with traditional marketing.
A big believer in giving back, Stafford is an avid volunteer and supporter of Special Olympics, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the United Way. Whenever possible, Stafford leads "coast to coast" volunteer days with team members in California, Burlington and Atlanta to unite their efforts and positively impact local communities. She is also an executive sponsor, leading several diversity programs and Employee Resource Groups within Cox to further female leadership – mentoring current team members and future employees.
Jessica went to the University of Florida and lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband and 2 young (and very active) sons.
