Cox Automotive Appoints Jonathan Smoke as New Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer

Jonathan Smoke Takes the Helm as Executive VP and Chief Strategy Officer at Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Jonathan Smoke as the new executive vice president and chief strategy officer. This change comes into effect on November 10, as he takes over from Amy Mills, who will step down at the end of the year after nearly 25 years with the company. This transition marks a pivotal moment for Cox Automotive as it continues to navigate the complexities of the automotive industry.

Jonathan Smoke joined Cox Automotive in 2017 as chief economist, and since then, he has played a crucial role in the company’s strategic planning efforts. Under his guidance, Cox Automotive has successfully weathered various market fluctuations and positioned itself for ongoing growth. His thorough understanding of macroeconomic trends and their implications for the business will be invaluable in his new role.

Steve Rowley, the president of Cox Automotive, expressed confidence in Smoke's expertise, stating, "No one has a better understanding of our business and the external industry environment than Jonathan does. His counsel and expertise will be invaluable as we shape our future direction, and we have confidence in his ability to steer us to success in this expanded role."

Smoke’s extensive experience spans nearly 30 years and covers several industries. Prior to joining Cox Automotive, he served as chief economist at Realtor.com and held leadership positions at Hanley Wood, a well-known media and market intelligence firm. Furthermore, he held various roles at Beazer Homes, where he was senior vice president of Strategy and Innovation. This diverse background provides him with a unique perspective on the automotive market and the challenges it faces.

In addition to Smoke's appointment, Jeremy Robb has been named interim chief economist, ensuring there will be continuity in economic analysis and industry insights while the search for a permanent chief economist proceeds. Robb currently serves as senior director and deputy chief economist at Cox Automotive.

Cox Automotive is recognized as the largest automotive services and technology provider across the globe. With an impressive portfolio of brands such as Autotrader®, Kelley Blue Book®, and Manheim®, they serve a wide range of stakeholders in the automotive ecosystem. The company gathers vast amounts of data, recording approximately 2.3 billion online interactions annually, which it utilizes to tailor solutions for car shoppers, manufacturers, dealers, lenders, and fleets. The organization boasts a workforce of over 29,000 employees situated in multiple regions across five continents.

Jonathan Smoke's transition to this vital leadership role coincides with a critical time for Cox Automotive, as the industry is witnessing rapid changes due to technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences. His experience and insights will be key contributions as the company strives to maintain its leadership position amidst these ongoing transformations.

The departure of Amy Mills marks the end of an era at Cox Automotive. Her nearly 25-year tenure has been marked by significant achievements and contributions that have shaped the company into what it is today. As the team at Cox Automotive embarks on this new chapter with Smoke at the helm, all eyes will be on the firm’s strategic approach and how it plans to innovate in the evolving automotive landscape.

In conclusion, Jonathan Smoke's appointment is a strategic move by Cox Automotive aimed at reinforcing its commitment to navigating the complexities of the automotive industry with confidence and foresight. His unique blend of skills and experience promises to steer the company towards a brighter future, unlocking new opportunities for growth and success.