IRVINE, Calif., Jun 09, 2010 -- Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq:ABTL), a leader in providing online consumer leads and marketing resources to the auto industry, today announced that automotive media and marketing veteran Jim Helberg has been named as Autobytel's Executive Vice President, Product, Marketing and Analytics. Helberg brings a 25-year record of strategic marketing, advertising and media accomplishments with some of the leading automotive ad agencies, working with many of the major OEMs, including Chrysler, Nissan, Honda and Toyota, as well as tenure in key executive marketing positions with Time Inc. / Time Warner.
"Jim's highly regarded reputation in the auto industry, and beyond -- as well as his proven leadership at the helm of successful marketing programs for world class brands such as Honda, Toyota and Chrysler -- will serve us well as we further invigorate our mission of providing in-market car-buyers with the best available online experience, and OEMs and dealers with the tools to sell more cars, more cost-efficiently," said Autobytel President and CEO Jeff Coats. "Jim's strategic insights into consumer behavior, coupled with his hands-on experience literally at the forefront of some of our industry's most critical media evolutions, will be of great significance as we focus on further increasing the value we provide to our customers."
In his new role, Helberg is charged with overseeing all of the company's web products, as well as its consumer and trade marketing initiatives, including advertising, ad sales and public relations. In addition, Helberg will take a leadership role in re-focusing the company's flagship consumer brand, as well as spearheading its analytics practice, including further development of the company's database offerings.
"I am excited to be joining one of the true pioneers of our industry as it reclaims its legacy of leadership in providing unique value to consumers, dealers and OEMs throughout the car-shopping, purchasing and ownership experience," said Helberg. "Autobytel is well-positioned to deliver on the goals it has set, including a renewed focus on leveraging its rich and unparalleled database of consumer automotive behavior. I'm looking forward to joining the company's talented and energetic team of automotive marketing innovators to develop cutting-edge marketing and data solutions, all focused on helping OEMs and dealers sell more cars."
Prior to joining Autobytel, Jim served as EVP at PHD, where he was charged with the strategic development and execution of all Chrysler Group media operations. Previously, he has served in senior level positions across a wide portfolio of consumer categories, including serving as Executive Client Communications Director at OMD where he was responsible for all media planning and buying functions for Nissan North America, and as Media Director for Saatchi & Saatchi/Los Angeles, where he oversaw all national media planning and buying for Toyota Motor Sales. He has also held an Executive Corporate Marketing position within Time Inc. / Time Warner and was responsible for all of the company's cross-platform program development and execution within the Western US. Helberg's broad experience also includes tenure at Time Magazine, Grey Advertising, Foote, Cone and Belding and Rubin Postaer and Associates, among others. Helberg is a Journalism/Advertising graduate of the University of Oklahoma.
About Autobytel
Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq:ABTL), a leader in providing online consumer leads and marketing resources to car dealers and manufacturers, pioneered the automotive Internet when it launched autobytel.com in 1995. Today, the company is continuing to offer innovative products and services to help auto dealers and manufacturers sell more new and used cars. Autobytel has helped tens of millions of automotive consumers research vehicles; connected thousands of dealers nationwide with motivated car buyers; and helped every major automaker market its brand online. Through its flagship website Autobytel.com(R), its network of automotive sites including Autoweb.com(R), AutoSite.com(R), Car.comsm, CarSmart.com(R), CarTV.com(R), and MyRide.com(R), and its respected online partners, Autobytel continues its dedication to innovating the industry's highest quality Internet programs to provide consumers with a comprehensive and positive automotive research and purchasing experience, and auto dealers, dealer groups and auto manufacturers with one of the industry's most productive and cost-effective customer referral and marketing programs.