Cox Enterprises Chairman Jim Kennedy today named Alexander C. Taylor, Executive Vice President and COO, as the company’s next President and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2018. Taylor will succeed John Dyer, President and CEO, who will retire in December after 40 years with the company. Dyer and Taylor will both continue serving on the Cox Enterprises’ board of directors.
Taylor oversees Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group, as well as the company’s long-term growth and investment plans, and is the great-grandson of company founder Gov. James M. Cox.
“It’s especially meaningful for me that a fourth-generation Cox family member will lead the company my grandfather started in 1898,” said Kennedy. “Alex has a deep understanding of our company and its culture. Cox has thrived in business because we believe in doing good and being a contributor to society. Alex shares this commitment to our employees and communities.”
Taylor has held numerous positions within the company’s divisions. He was SVP/Field Operations for Cox Communications and EVP/President of Cox Media Group, where he oversaw its largest television, radio, newspaper and digital properties. He also led the creation of the company’s first cross-platform newsroom. Taylor began his career at Cox as a reporter for the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel in Colorado in May 2000.
Taylor previously served as Cox Enterprises’ EVP/Strategic Investments. He also oversees Cox’s investments in the Cox Innovation Fund and True North Venture Partners.
