Cox Enterprises announced that Alexander C. Taylor, great-grandson of company Founder James M. Cox, has been promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective immediately. He will continue reporting to Chief Executive Officer, John M. Dyer.

In his new role, Taylor will be responsible for the company's three major operating subsidiaries: Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group while continuing to provide leadership over the company's strategic growth plans.

"Cox has always been a family-led business and I am pleased that the next generation is continuing to play a critical role in the future of our company," said James C. Kennedy, chairman of Cox Enterprises and grandson of James M. Cox. "Our company has grown for nearly 120 years based on hard work and enduring values. I am confident Alex will help lead us into a bright, strong tomorrow."

"Alex has the bold thinking and vision, rooted in a deep understanding and commitment to our businesses, that will enable our company to grow and compete for the next 10, 20 and even 30 years," said Dyer. "He is truly dedicated to our company and its employees, customers and the communities where we do business."

Previously, Taylor served as Cox Enterprises' executive vice president overseeing the company's long-term investment and growth strategies, including the Cox Innovation Fund and True North Venture Partners. Prior to that, he served as senior vice president of field operations for Cox Communications, the company's broadband and cable subsidiary. He oversaw operations of all of Cox's cable systems, serving six million customers in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Nevada, New England, Oklahoma, Omaha and Virginia.

"As excited as I am about this new role, I am also deeply humbled and honored to help lead our family business," said Taylor. "Cox is not only a great company that serves millions of customers every day, it is also an employer of choice and a responsible community partner. I hope to build upon and steward that legacy with the support of both our family and our 60,000 employees around the world."

A 16-year Cox veteran, Taylor is a fourth-generation member of the Cox family and serves on Cox Enterprises' board of directors. He started his Cox career as a reporter and editor with various Cox media properties, rising through the ranks and ultimately serving as executive vice president of Cox Media Group, where he oversaw the group's largest television, radio, newspaper and digital properties.

An avid outdoorsman and environmentalist, Taylor chairs American Rivers' board of directors and is a board member for Food Well Alliance and PATH Foundation. He authored the book "The Longest Cast: The Fly-Fishing Journey of a Lifetime" and donated the book's royalties to charity.

He serves as a member of the board of trust of Vanderbilt University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in science with a focus on human and organizational development.