The Drive Network, publisher of Drive.com.au and TheMotorReport.com.au, has announced the appointment of Chris Polites (pictured below) into the role of chief executive officer of the group.

The Drive Network is a joint venture between Fairfax Media and industry experienced executives.

Polites had previously held the position of chief operating officer at Drive Network since October 2017 and, prior to this, held the position of head of dealer and automotive at carsales.com from 2012.

Executive chairman of the Drive Network, Shane Pettiona said: “The Drive Network is delighted to be appointing Chris into the role of Chief Executive Officer. Chris is a passionate leader who has extensive automotive heritage in the Australian landscape.

“His industry knowledge and depth of contacts in both the technology and automotive industries will be an exciting injection of skill sets to our already highly experienced executive team and growth focused business.”

Polites said of his apointment: “I am truly excited about the opportunity of being entrusted into the role of CEO of the Drive Network, leading what is already an extremely experienced and committed team.

“Having worked in the online automotive industry for the past 12 years in senior roles, and alongside many of the current Drive executives, I am bullish that we have all the necessary ingredients to catapult an already strong growth business to another level.

“The platform and people that the Drive Network has invested in, and continue develop, in a short period of time makes it perfectly positioned to be a leader in the online automotive new car market and I am excited to be part of that”.