Cox Automotive Strengthens Economic Analysis with Jeremy Robb as Chief Economist

Cox Automotive Appoints Jeremy Robb as Chief Economist

On February 3, 2026, Cox Automotive announced a significant leadership shift with the appointment of Jeremy Robb as its Chief Economist. This strategic move underscores the company's commitment to enhancing its economic and industry insights capabilities, essential for guiding clients and stakeholders through the evolving landscape of the automotive market.

Jeremy Robb brings to this role a wealth of knowledge and experience accrued over more than two decades in various sectors, especially within the automotive industry. Previously serving as the interim Chief Economist since November 2025, Robb has established himself as a crucial player in the analysis and forecasting dimensions of the company. He takes over the Chief Economist position following Jonathan Smoke's promotion to Chief Strategy Officer.

Steve Rowley, President of Cox Automotive, praised Robb's unmatched analytical rigor and his deep understanding of the automotive marketplace as indispensable assets in this new role. He stated, "His analytical skill and thought leadership – paired with a deep understanding of both the automotive marketplace and the broader macroenvironment – make him the ideal voice to guide our clients through the ongoing transformation of the automotive industry."

In his new capacity, Robb will lead Cox Automotive's comprehensive economic outlook, which includes managing monthly forecasts and directing client advisory and media briefings. He will also integrate data from various platforms within the company's extensive retail and wholesale operations.

Joining Cox Automotive in 2018, Robb has been instrumental as a senior leader in the Economic and Industry Insights organization, with a key focus on the used vehicle marketplace. His innovative contributions include developing industry-first analytics tools that offer fresh perspectives on lease and loan equity across various vehicle makes and models. By harnessing proprietary data from platforms like Dealertrack, vAuto, Kelley Blue Book, and Manheim, Robb has significantly enhanced the company's analytical capabilities.

Frequent contributor to Cox Automotive's detailed industry analyses, Robb is known for presenting insightful discussions at client events and industry conferences. His expertise spans numerous topics, including sales forecasts, Federal Reserve policy impacts, auto market trends, and the highly monitored Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index. His upcoming participation in the NADA event is anticipated, providing further insights into current market dynamics.

Before his tenure at Cox Automotive, Robb made substantial contributions as the remarketing leader for Nissan and Infiniti in both the U.S. and Canada. His responsibilities included overseeing portfolio strategies, market performance evaluations, and optimizing vehicle disposal channels. Early in his career, he excelled in roles within equity research, facilitating improved decision-making through innovative analytical tools.

Robb holds a unique educational background, earning a bachelor's degree in music and economics from Vanderbilt University. He further solidified his expertise by obtaining an Executive MBA from the University of North Alabama and achieving the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credential.

Cox Automotive stands at the forefront of the automotive services and technology sector, powered by an impressive repository of first-party data drawn from 2.3 billion online interactions each year. With over 29,000 employees globally and a broad portfolio of renowned brands—including Autotrader®, Kelley Blue Book®, and Manheim®—Cox Automotive is uniquely positioned to offer tailored solutions for a diverse clientele, ranging from car shoppers and manufacturers to dealers and lenders. The company is a subsidiary of the privately-owned Cox Enterprises, which boasts an annual revenue of $23 billion. Cox Automotive continues to earn accolades, recently being included in Glassdoor's listings of Best Companies in Tech and Best Places to Work in 2026.

In conclusion, Jeremy Robb's appointment as Chief Economist marks an important step for Cox Automotive, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and leadership in economic analysis and automotive forecasting. With Robb at the helm, the company is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the industry and provide valuable insights to its clients moving forward.