Customer data and marketing platform PureCars has promoted chief operating officer Lauren Donalson to the role of president.

Donalson joined PureCars in 2015, serving as regional manager, national director and senior vice president before moving up to COO in January 2023. She began her automotive career through her family’s dealership group, holding various fixed and variable operations roles, and later worked for GS Marketing, managing sales, parts and service marketing programs for Toyota dealerships.

PureCars said Donalson will work closely with members of the executive leadership team to drive operational performance, direct strategic planning, oversee execution of the company’s strategic vision and fuel its aggressive growth plans.

“Lauren is one of the most talented people in the automotive business and PureCars has benefited from her rise to the top of the digital advertising world,” CEO Aaron Sheeks said in a news release. “We’re lucky to have her, and I’m excited to stand by her side as we reshape the future of automotive marketing.”

Donalson was recognized in 2021 as part of AutoSuccess magazine’s first class of Women at the Wheel, which recognized women who are making a difference in the automotive industry. She’s been a frequent speaker at national automotive conferences, including Used Car Week, and a contributor to Auto Remarketing. She has also appeared on the Auto Remarketing Podcast multiple times.

“I am equal parts ecstatic and humbled by the opportunity to contribute to our partners’ and PureCars’ success in a greater capacity,” Donalson said. “The one-two punch of our award-winning customer data platform and longstanding digital advertising solutions places PureCars in a unique position to help automotive dealers stay ahead of the curve and their competitors.”