Jonathan Smoke Elevated to Chief Strategy Officer at Cox Automotive
ATLANTA – Today, Cox Automotive is thrilled to announce that Jonathan Smoke has taken the position of executive vice president and chief strategy officer, effective immediately. He succeeds Amy Mills, who will conclude her remarkable 25-year journey with the company by the end of the year.
Jonathan Smoke's Contributions and Experience
Jonathan Smoke first joined Cox Automotive in 2017 as chief economist. Since then, his impact on the company's strategic planning has been significant. He has become a trusted authority not only within Cox Automotive but also throughout the entire automotive sector. His expertise in synthesizing complex data into easily digestible insights has been instrumental in navigating market fluctuations and driving the company forward.
Recent Role Expansion
In January 2024, Smoke's role expanded as he was appointed chief economic advisor for Cox Enterprises, the parent organization of Cox Automotive. This additional responsibility showcases his talent for linking macroeconomic trends with corporate strategies, which has proven crucial for the company's future endeavors.
Leadership Support and Confidence
Steve Rowley, president of Cox Automotive, expressed his confidence in Smoke's abilities, 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." This strong endorsement underlines the faith that the leadership has in Smoke’s vision for the company.
A Robust Background in Economics and Strategy
With nearly three decades of experience in strategic leadership across various sectors, Smoke's previous roles include chief economist at Realtor.com and Hanley Wood. His tenure at Beazer Homes also saw him in critical leadership positions, where he served as senior vice president of Strategy and Innovation, further solidifying his capability to contribute to Cox Automotive's growth.
Ensuring Continuity with New Interim Roles
In conjunction with Jonathan's promotion, Cox Automotive has appointed Jeremy Robb as the interim chief economist. Robb has experience as the senior director and deputy chief economist at Cox Automotive, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in economic analysis during the search for a permanent chief economist.
About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive stands as the world’s leading automotive services and technology provider, powered by over 2.3 billion online interactions each year. The company excels in crafting tailored solutions for various stakeholders including car shoppers, auto manufacturers, dealers, lenders, and fleet operators. With a workforce exceeding 29,000 individuals across five continents, Cox Automotive oversees a diverse stable of industry-leading brands such as Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, and Manheim. As a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., which boasts an annual revenue of $23 billion, Cox Automotive is dedicated to shaping the future of the automotive industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jonathan Smoke and what is his new position?
Jonathan Smoke is the newly appointed executive vice president and chief strategy officer at Cox Automotive, succeeding Amy Mills.
When did Jonathan Smoke join Cox Automotive?
Jonathan Smoke joined Cox Automotive in 2017 as chief economist.
What prior roles has Jonathan Smoke held?
Before Cox Automotive, Smoke was chief economist at Realtor.com and Hanley Wood and also held leadership roles at Beazer Homes.
What responsibilities will Jeremy Robb have as interim chief economist?
Jeremy Robb will ensure continuity in economic analysis and insights as the search for a full-time chief economist is conducted.
What is the mission of Cox Automotive?
Cox Automotive aims to provide leading automotive services and technology, utilizing extensive first-party data to tailor solutions for a broad range of automotive stakeholders.
