GET TO KNOW ROB COCHRAN
CHAIRMAN & CEO, #1 COCHRAN
Rob Cochran sits atop the 39th largest automotive dealer group in the nation. But when it comes to running the enterprise that bears his name, there is little sitting involved. As #1 Cochran’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Rob directs all facets of the organization’s operations. His presence is ubiquitous. From boardrooms to showrooms, in communities and on TV, Rob steers the company with innovative leadership, vision and spirit.
A second-generation owner, Rob joined the family business as Executive Vice President in 1987 after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University. In 1991, as Rob’s father and company founder, Bob Cochran, battled an illness, Rob became President and CEO at just 25 years of age. Two years later, Mr. Cochran passed away.
In the years since, Rob has carried the company to new heights and served as the catalyst for its tremendous growth. But of all his achievements, Rob is most proud that a third generation of Cochrans has entered the business, with some of his adult children taking roles with the company. Just like its past and present, #1 Cochran’s future is family-owned.
On the essence of his approach as CEO, he says:
“OUR LEADERSHIP IS EMPOWERED. I THINK THAT’S ONE OF THE REASONS WE’VE BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN HIGHER-QUALITY PEOPLE. THEY ARE GIVEN A LOT OF LATITUDE WHEN NECESSARY. THE MOST RELATIONSHIP-MINDED COMPANIES ARE GOING TO WIN.”
INDUSTRY SERVICE
National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Board of Directors
NADA Industry Relations Committee Chairman
Hyundai National Dealer Council
General Motors National Dealer Council
Pennsylvania Automotive Association, Board of Directors
Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association, Board Member & Past President
BOARD MEMBERSHIPS & COUNCILS
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Southwestern PA/Northern WV Business Advisory Council
Rosedale Technical College Advisory Board
Junior Achievement of Western PA
Pittsburgh Public Theater
Shady Side Academy Board of Trustees
AWARDS
TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year Award for Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Business Ethics Award
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Top Workplace CEO Leadership Award
Pittsburgh Top Workplace Awards
Junior Achievement Spirit of Enterprise Award
Multiple Manufacturer Awards & Recognition
EDUCATION
Carnegie Mellon University
Bachelor of Science Degrees:
- Applied Mathematics
- Industrial Management
INDUSTRY PHILANTHROPY
Establishment of #1 Cochran Technological Excellence Center at Rosedale Technical College