Chintan Talati
[email protected]
WORK EXPERIENCE
COX AUTOMOTIVE/KELLEY BLUE BOOK Irvine, CA
Senior Director of Public Relations, Cox Automotive (2016 - Present) 2013 - Present
Senior Director, Public Relations, Kelley Blue Book (2013 - 2016)
TrueCar, Inc., Santa Monica, California 09/10 - 03/13
(Director of Media Relations/Corporate Communications)
Edmunds.com., Santa Monica, California 09/05-08/10
(Senior PR Manager)
VOLLMER Public Relations, Dallas, Texas 08/02-08/05
(Senior Account Executive)
§ Led campaign efforts for multiple clients including Travelocity, Whole Foods Market, Marie Callender, Flowserve, Park N’ Fly, Verizon Reads, Lonesome Dove Bistro, Range Online Media and ATME (Association of Travel Marketing Executives)
§ Prepared, edited and disseminated press releases and press materials
§ Developed and updated media lists
§ Aided in creating public relations planning for multiple clients
§ Crafted talking points and key messaging for clients
§ Created and pitched stories and cultivated relationships with national and local print, broadcast, online and radio media outlets
§ Spearheaded Travelocity’s executive visibility program; researched and worked directly with C and VP-level executives to secure high-level national speaking engagements specifically targeting key pre-determined topics and audiences
§ Researched and prepared award entries in support of Travelocity product developments and strategic messages, ranging from product introductions and financial growth to community involvement
§ Supervised three entry-level account staff on activities and provide feedback for professional development
§ Awarded the company “ROAR” award twice (January 2003 and January 2004) which is given quarterly to one employee in the entire agency for outstanding media relations results
Weber Shandwick, Chicago, Illinois 01/02 - 07/02
(Associate/Assistant Account Executive)
§ Worked on Got Milk? campaign in conjunction with sponsors, Rolling Stones and MTV
§ Served as media spokesperson for national Got Milk? tour
§ Conducted live and taped interviews for television and radio segments
§ Planned, implemented and executed over 40 local market events
§ Managed and worked with event management company
§ Developed relationships with regional clients and vendors
§ Coordinated radio promotions in local markets
INTERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Weber Shandwick, Dallas, Texas 08/01 - 12/01
(Public Relations Intern)
§ Worked on a number of clients, including American Airlines, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Morningstar Foods and Collin Street Bakery
§ Wrote and pitched press releases and pitch letters
§ Supported American Airlines 9/11 crisis by monitoring news coverage of any inaccuracies and researching other crisis of other airlines to formulate a response to federal agencies, media and public
§ Researched information for Pizza Hut to prepare company for newest product lunch during Super Bowl
§ Received six Bravo Zulu awards, given to a staff member that goes the extra mile in client service
Ultramar Diamond Shamrock (UDS) (now Valero Energy Corp.), San Antonio, Texas 11-00 - 05/01
(Public Relations/Community Relations Intern)
§ Created facts sheets on the company, its refineries and retail outlets
§ Developed brochure and intranet page for UDS Volunteers
§ Handed donation requests for UDS Foundation
§ Wrote executives biographies and supported in editing the 2000 annual report and internal communication publications
San Antonio Spurs, San Antonio, Texas 08/98 - 05/00
(Community Relations/Fan Relations Intern)
§ Aided in planning, implementing and executing fundraising activities for Spurs Foundation, including its annual golf tournament, luncheon and gala and auction
§ Assisted in the coordination, execution and supervision of Spurs Rewards program during its inaugural year, which had over 7,000 members
§ Responsible for getting over 300 auction items for the annual gala and auction
§ Assisted in handling over 200 donations requests each month and securing player/dance team members for appearances
§ Served as the team liaison between public, season ticket holders and Spurs administrative staff
§ Responded to over 75 questions and concerns of season ticket holders and public each month
§ Managed 40 volunteers during every home game for Spurs Rewards program
§ Helped in team being named the winner of the 2000 Pro Team Community Award, an honor given to a professional sports franchise for its dedication and commitment to community involvement
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Animal Defense League, San Antonio, TX 01/01- 05/01
Animal Tracks 5K Event Manager
Planned, implemented and executed the Second Annual Animal Tracks 5K Run/Walk
§ Responsible for sponsorship, donations and recruitment of participants
§ Helped create logo and t-shirts for event and pitch event to media
§ Recruited PETCO as title sponsor for annual event
§ Increased the amount of money raised by 490%, sponsorships and donations by 450% and overall participants by 375%
§ Awarded the Public Relations Student Society of America’s Dr. F.H. Teahan Chapter Award for Community Service during the 2001 National Conference
COMPUTER SKILLS
ACT, Bacons MediaSource, Factiva, Lotus Notes, MediaMap, Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Word), Adobe Photoshop, SPSS and strong internet researching skills
ACTIVITIES
Public Relations Society of America – Dallas Chapter
§ 2004 Media Day Committee
§ 2005 Job Bank Chair, Media Day Committee
PROFESSIONAL AWARDS
PRSA Silver Anvil 2005 - Integrated Communications: Consumer Services
PRSA Silver Anvil Award of Excellence 2005 - Marketing Consumer Services
PRSA Silver Anvil Award of Excellence 2004 - Marketing Consumer Services
EDUCATION
University of Texas – San Antonio, B.A., Communications. - May 2001
§ Concentrations- Public Relations and Technical Communications
§ Director of Business Affairs – PRSSA, 2000 – 2001
References available upon request
[email protected]
WORK EXPERIENCE
COX AUTOMOTIVE/KELLEY BLUE BOOK Irvine, CA
Senior Director of Public Relations, Cox Automotive (2016 - Present) 2013 - Present
Senior Director, Public Relations, Kelley Blue Book (2013 - 2016)
- Manage public relations at Cox Automotive which includes over 24 brands and a team of 14
- Serve as company spokesperson for Cox Automotive
- Increased media relations results by over 125% at Kelley Blue Book and helped to improve web traffic from 14 million unique visitors to 23 million monthly unique visitors, employing sophisticated understanding of social media platforms including Facebook, Google Plus and Twitter
- Expanded PR budget by 320% during tenure at Kelley Blue Book to nearly $2M
- Earned nomination by Cox Automotive executives to participate in its prestigious leadership program for senior management, ILD (Individual Leadership Development); graduated in November 2014
- Recognized with AutoRemarketing's “40 Under 40 Award” in September 2016
- Created a new awards program called the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards that launched in November 2014 and is now the company’s pinnacle awards program
- Brought in Cox Automotive and Kelley Blue Book's first PR agency
- Strategized the communications and media relations strategy for Kelley Blue Book's entry into China and coordinated with new media outlets in China surrounding the joint venture
- Designed company’s first crisis communications plan and create corporate communications annual plans
- Partnered with marketing team to design the company’s brand positioning
- Coach and counsel executive management for speaking engagements and media interviews
- Manage large-scale industry corporate events and assist with overall coordination of trade shows
- Analyze data and trends to create proactive stories/trends for automotive industry and consumer media
TrueCar, Inc., Santa Monica, California 09/10 - 03/13
(Director of Media Relations/Corporate Communications)
- Led corporate communications team for TrueCar, Inc. (TrueCar, TrueCar.com, ALG, Clearbook, TrueCar Racing) through aggressive media relations, preparing corporate and spokesperson messaging, crisis communications and partner communications
- Assist in managing TrueCar Racing program, world’s first all-female racing team with six female drivers
- Managed corporate communications budget
- Supervised PR activities for data, editorial and executive departments
- Wrote and create editorial stories for TrueCar Blog
- Increased media relations results by over 50 percent
- Created proactive stories/trends for automotive and consumer media by analyzing data and trends and promoting expert spokespeople
- Created corporate communications annual plan and strategies for Web sites and product launches
- Produced key messages during crisis communications, Web site and product launches
- Maintained Web site and corporate communications materials
- Handled internal communications outreach
- Coordinated speaking opportunities for executives
- Supervised staff member and provide feedback for professional development
- Used various social media platforms from Facebook, Google Plus and Twitter to push messages on consumer and industry news
- Served as the company spokesperson on as needed basis
Edmunds.com., Santa Monica, California 09/05-08/10
(Senior PR Manager)
- Led corporate communications team as main contact for proactive media relations activities and reactive inquiries for Edmunds.com, Edmunds’ Inside Line ,Edmunds’ CarSpace.com , Edmunds’ AutoObserver.com and Edmunds GreenCarAdvisor.com
- Prepared, edited and disseminated press releases and press materials
- Managed corporate communications budget
- Supervised PR activities for data, editorial and executive departments
- Increased media relations results by 40 percent since joining company
- Created proactive stories/trends for automotive and consumer media by analyzing data and trends and promoting expert spokespeople
- Created corporate communications annual plan and strategies for Web sites and product launches
- Assisted in creating key branding messages during Web site and product launches
- Maintained Web site and corporate communications materials
- Responsible for handling internal communications outreach
- Generated and submit weekly status reports and monthly coverage reports for executives
- Researched and coordinate speaking opportunities for executives
- Supervised staff member and provide feedback for professional development
- Used various social media platforms from Facebook to Twitter to push messages on consumer and industry news
- Served as the company spokesperson on as needed basis
- Awarded the Edmunds.com V12 award in June 2009 presented to an employee semiannually for making a significant impact to the company
VOLLMER Public Relations, Dallas, Texas 08/02-08/05
(Senior Account Executive)
§ Led campaign efforts for multiple clients including Travelocity, Whole Foods Market, Marie Callender, Flowserve, Park N’ Fly, Verizon Reads, Lonesome Dove Bistro, Range Online Media and ATME (Association of Travel Marketing Executives)
§ Prepared, edited and disseminated press releases and press materials
§ Developed and updated media lists
§ Aided in creating public relations planning for multiple clients
§ Crafted talking points and key messaging for clients
§ Created and pitched stories and cultivated relationships with national and local print, broadcast, online and radio media outlets
§ Spearheaded Travelocity’s executive visibility program; researched and worked directly with C and VP-level executives to secure high-level national speaking engagements specifically targeting key pre-determined topics and audiences
§ Researched and prepared award entries in support of Travelocity product developments and strategic messages, ranging from product introductions and financial growth to community involvement
§ Supervised three entry-level account staff on activities and provide feedback for professional development
§ Awarded the company “ROAR” award twice (January 2003 and January 2004) which is given quarterly to one employee in the entire agency for outstanding media relations results
Weber Shandwick, Chicago, Illinois 01/02 - 07/02
(Associate/Assistant Account Executive)
§ Worked on Got Milk? campaign in conjunction with sponsors, Rolling Stones and MTV
§ Served as media spokesperson for national Got Milk? tour
§ Conducted live and taped interviews for television and radio segments
§ Planned, implemented and executed over 40 local market events
§ Managed and worked with event management company
§ Developed relationships with regional clients and vendors
§ Coordinated radio promotions in local markets
INTERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Weber Shandwick, Dallas, Texas 08/01 - 12/01
(Public Relations Intern)
§ Worked on a number of clients, including American Airlines, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Morningstar Foods and Collin Street Bakery
§ Wrote and pitched press releases and pitch letters
§ Supported American Airlines 9/11 crisis by monitoring news coverage of any inaccuracies and researching other crisis of other airlines to formulate a response to federal agencies, media and public
§ Researched information for Pizza Hut to prepare company for newest product lunch during Super Bowl
§ Received six Bravo Zulu awards, given to a staff member that goes the extra mile in client service
Ultramar Diamond Shamrock (UDS) (now Valero Energy Corp.), San Antonio, Texas 11-00 - 05/01
(Public Relations/Community Relations Intern)
§ Created facts sheets on the company, its refineries and retail outlets
§ Developed brochure and intranet page for UDS Volunteers
§ Handed donation requests for UDS Foundation
§ Wrote executives biographies and supported in editing the 2000 annual report and internal communication publications
San Antonio Spurs, San Antonio, Texas 08/98 - 05/00
(Community Relations/Fan Relations Intern)
§ Aided in planning, implementing and executing fundraising activities for Spurs Foundation, including its annual golf tournament, luncheon and gala and auction
§ Assisted in the coordination, execution and supervision of Spurs Rewards program during its inaugural year, which had over 7,000 members
§ Responsible for getting over 300 auction items for the annual gala and auction
§ Assisted in handling over 200 donations requests each month and securing player/dance team members for appearances
§ Served as the team liaison between public, season ticket holders and Spurs administrative staff
§ Responded to over 75 questions and concerns of season ticket holders and public each month
§ Managed 40 volunteers during every home game for Spurs Rewards program
§ Helped in team being named the winner of the 2000 Pro Team Community Award, an honor given to a professional sports franchise for its dedication and commitment to community involvement
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Animal Defense League, San Antonio, TX 01/01- 05/01
Animal Tracks 5K Event Manager
Planned, implemented and executed the Second Annual Animal Tracks 5K Run/Walk
§ Responsible for sponsorship, donations and recruitment of participants
§ Helped create logo and t-shirts for event and pitch event to media
§ Recruited PETCO as title sponsor for annual event
§ Increased the amount of money raised by 490%, sponsorships and donations by 450% and overall participants by 375%
§ Awarded the Public Relations Student Society of America’s Dr. F.H. Teahan Chapter Award for Community Service during the 2001 National Conference
COMPUTER SKILLS
ACT, Bacons MediaSource, Factiva, Lotus Notes, MediaMap, Microsoft Office (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Word), Adobe Photoshop, SPSS and strong internet researching skills
ACTIVITIES
Public Relations Society of America – Dallas Chapter
§ 2004 Media Day Committee
§ 2005 Job Bank Chair, Media Day Committee
PROFESSIONAL AWARDS
PRSA Silver Anvil 2005 - Integrated Communications: Consumer Services
PRSA Silver Anvil Award of Excellence 2005 - Marketing Consumer Services
PRSA Silver Anvil Award of Excellence 2004 - Marketing Consumer Services
EDUCATION
University of Texas – San Antonio, B.A., Communications. - May 2001
§ Concentrations- Public Relations and Technical Communications
§ Director of Business Affairs – PRSSA, 2000 – 2001
References available upon request
