Auto veteran Jim O'Sullivan has joined LotLinx's advisory board as the digital marketing company reshapes itself into a provider of artificial intelligence for the industry.
O'Sullivan, who turns 65 on Tuesday, retired as CEO of Mazda North American Operations in 2015.
LotLinx, of Chicago, allows dealerships to customize marketing campaigns to specific vehicle identification numbers. The goal is to push traffic to certain vehicles to connect online shoppers who are edging closer to a purchase decision with dealers.
"AI technology has affected every aspect of the car business, including how cars are bought and sold," O'Sullivan said in a statement.
O'Sullivan took the helm at Mazda North America in 2003 and helped steer the company out of its close affiliation with Ford Motor Co. and into its own skin.
In 1976, he joined Ford and worked his way up to Lincoln brand manager and franchise and business development manager for Lincoln-Mercury. Currently, O'Sullivan is managing partner at consulting firm Motormindz, of Troy, Mich.
