ROBERT E. COCHRAN
PRESIDENT & CEO, #1 COCHRAN
Rob Cochran sits atop Western Pennsylvania’s most successful automotive dealer group. But when it comes to running the enterprise that bears his name, there is little sitting involved. President and Chief Executive Officer since 1992, Rob directs all facets of the organization’s operations. His presence is ubiquitous. From boardroom to showrooms, in communities and on TV, Rob drives the company with vigorous leadership, spirit and vision.
Rob joined the family business as Executive Vice President in 1987 after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with degrees in Applied Mathematics and Industrial Management. Five years later when his father and company founder, Bob Cochran, passed away, Rob took the reins of the organization.
Under Rob’s direction, #1 Cochran has grown to become a regional powerhouse with 25 new-vehicle franchises representing 17 domestic and imported brands. He has positioned #1 Cochran within the top fifteen privately held businesses in Western Pennsylvania and among the top 100 largest dealer groups in the nation. Through #1 Cochran’s various sales, service, parts and collision operations, the company employs more than 1,100 team members.
Throughout his career, Rob has been recognized for his entrepreneurial passion and industry leadership.
He was among the first dealers in the country to create a radically transparent business model focused on building trust-based relationships with consumers. Known as “Clearly Better Car Buying,” the transformative sales process has been featured in publications such as The New York Times and Automotive News.
Over the years, Rob has earned myriad accolades including TIME Magazine’s “Quality Dealer of the Year Award,” Junior Achievement’s “Spirit of Enterprise Award,” the Pittsburgh Business Times “CEO Diamond Award,” and the Pittsburgh Top Workplace “Top CEO Award.” #1 Cochran also holds the distinction of being the only automotive retailer ever to win the “Pittsburgh Business Ethics Award” and the sole automotive company to be named a “Pittsburgh Top Workplace” every year since the award’s inception.
Rob serves on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Automotive Association and is active on the boards of Family House, Cancer Caring Center, Shady Side Academy, Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania and The Pittsburgh Public Theater, among others.
Personally and through the company, Rob supports more than 30 charities.
Rob and his wife Christina reside in the Fox Chapel area. They have five children: Olivia, Faith, Eliza, Will and Hugh.