The rapidly shifting auto market presents great challenges, yet profound opportunities in 2024 and beyond. ThinkLA’s Auto Dinner, presented by Cox Automotive Marketing Partnership, gathered industry subject matter experts and marketers to share their ideas, insights, and perspectives on the world’s largest auto market and how it will evolve.
Brian Finklemeyer, Senior Director, Enterprise Insights and Advisory, Cox Automotive, opened the discussion with insights on the auto industry’s resilience amid global disruptions that are reshaping the financial model. To navigate this evolving landscape, he emphasized the need for manufacturers to regain economies of scale through technology and cost-cutting measures. Building on this theme, Megan Gillam, Director, Marketing Operations and Strategy at Kia, shared how Kia is working through a fluctuating market by boldly rebranding and diversifying its product lineup to cater to different audiences. Finklemeyer’s and Gillam’s insights captured an industry not only adapting to change but thriving by embracing innovation and meaningful engagement.
The roundtable discussion led by Eddie Alterman, Chief Brand and Content Officer, Hearst Autos, shifted the spotlight to brand equity, creativity, and technology. Panelists, Jim Helberg, Executive Vice President, Chief Media Officer, RPA, and Ed Beadle, Vice President, Digital Services and Marketing at American Honda Motor Co., Inc shared their insights. During a discussion on the impact of recent supply chain issues, Beadle remarked, “never let a crisis go to waste,” noting how these challenges pushed brands to rethink strategies and lean into localized messaging—especially critical with the rise of EVs. Both experts discussed how AI is empowering marketers to do more with less, streamlining efforts and enhancing real-time insights to keep up with fast-evolving consumer demands.
To conclude the Auto Dinner, Juliette Ferrara, Senior Director, Automotive Head of Industry, Sirius XM moderated the Multicultural Panel, featuring Mark Bland, Chief Diversity Officer, Automotive, S&P Global and Brandi Johnson, Senior Manager, Diversity Marketing, Kia Motors. The discussion underscored the importance of diversity and cultural relevance in the automotive industry. As the U.S. moves toward a multicultural majority, Bland pointed out that the role of women and ethnic minorities in car-buying decisions is more influential than ever. The panelists agreed that authentic representation in advertising is key, especially with diverse communities leading the way in EV adoption. With insights from industry thought leaders, the event left no doubt: the automotive market is not only navigating change but evolving to meet the needs of tomorrow’s consumers.
Speakers
Eddie Alterman (bio)
Chief Brand and Content Officer
Hearst Auto
Ed Beadle (bio)
VP, Digital Services and Marketing
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Marc Bland (bio)
Chief Diversity Officer, Automotive
S & P Global - Mobility
Brian Finkelmeyer (bio)
Sr. Director, Enterprise Insight and Advisory
Cox Automotive
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners
Meet Our Committee Members:
ThinkLA events are organized with the help of industry professionals. Many thanks to this committee:
Co-Chair: Matt Sganga, Sales Director, Auto, SiriusXM
Co-Chair: Olga Weinraub, Sr. Director, Enterprise Marketing, Cox Automotive
Lori Mertz, Sr. Director of Sales, Hearst Autos
Matthew Budke, Client Partner, CarGurus
Joon Lee, SVP, Sales West, Nativo
Steven Sturm, Executive Advisor, TVB
Andrew Schwartz, Sr. Account Executive, Sharethrough
John Gallanger, Director, West, Integral Ad Science
Danielle Bracamonte, Director, Strategic Sales, Nexxen
Matt Valley, Principal, Account Lead, Amazon
Andrew Kovich, Manager, Brand Marketing, The Trade Desk
