From chief economist to chief strategist.

In a move that was effective Monday, Cox Automotive said Tuesday that its lead analyst Jonathan Smoke has been named the company’s executive vice president and chief strategy officer.

Smoke succeeds Amy Mills, who is departing the company at the end of the year. Cox had announced in July that Mills would be retiring after 25 years with the company.

Smoke has been Cox Automotive’s chief economist since joining the company in 2017, and he has been chief economic advisor for parent company Cox Enterprises since January 2024.

Jeremy Robb, currently senior director and deputy chief economist at Cox Automotive, has been named interim chief economist as the company searches for a full-time chief economist.

Prior to Smoke’s time with Cox, he was chief economist at Realtor.com and Hanley Wood, which is a media and market intelligence firm. His experience also includes several leadership posts at Beazer Homes.

Smoke was recognized at April’s Auto Intel Summit as one of the first-ever recipients of the Automotive Intelligence Awards: Industry Analysts.

“No one has a better understanding of our business and the external industry environment than Jonathan does,” Cox Automotive president Steve Rowley said in a news release. “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.”