Sonic Automotive Inc. has promoted Heath Byrd, the Charlotte-based company’s chief information officer since 2007, to executive vice president and chief financial officer.<br />Byrd replaces David Cosper, who in the fall announced plans to retire during the first quarter.<br />In his previous position, Byrd was a “driving force” behind Sonic’s technology-related initiatives, according to a news release issued Wednesday afternoon. He brings finance and operations expertise and thorough knowledge of the company to his new CFO role, the release says.<br />Byrd attended the Air Force Academy, and he holds a B.S. from N.C. State University and a master’s degree from Duke University. His background prior to his tenure at Sonic includes stints as president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer with HR America Inc. and a management position in financial strategy and mergers and acquisitions consulting at Ernst & Young.<br />Sonic (NYSE:SAH) in February reported net income of $89.1 million, or $1.53 per share, for 2012. Revenue totaled $8.4 billion, and the company sold a record 231,192 vehicles during the year. However, the automotive dealer group later said it would delay its annual report for last year after uncovering accounting issues.<br />Sonic operates more than 100 car dealerships in 15 states. The Fortune 500 company was founded by Bruton Smith, who also is chief executive of Speedway Motorports Inc. (NYSE:TRK). Sonic’s headquarters building is in Charlotte’s Cotswold neighborhood, and an affiliate of the company recently agreed to purchase a nearby property.