SANTA MONICA, Calif. -

On Friday, Edmunds.com announced that its vice chairman, Jeremy Anwyl, has retired.

Anwyl has been with the company for nearly 14 years and served as its chief executive officer for four years, before moving into the vice chairman role in late 2011.

“In the nearly 14 years Jeremy has been with the company, we have experienced exponential growth in revenue and expanded in size from 50 employees to over 550,” commented Edmunds CEO Avi Steinlauf. “We appreciate Jeremy's contributions to the company and wish him well in the next chapter of his life.”

Anwyl joined Edmunds full-time in 2000, and began as chief operating officer before serving seven years as president. He moved into the CEO role in 2007.

“Being with Edmunds.com during the Internet's boom has been a remarkable experience,” said Anwyl. “I've witnessed many interesting developments in the auto industry and I look forward to seeing the changes yet to come.”

He relocated to the Las Vegas area earlier this year and plans on doing some auto consulting through Marketec Systems, which he founded in the 1990s. Interestingly enough, officials said it was that company that led him to Edmunds.com.

Anwyl will offer strategic consulting to Edmunds while at Marketec Systems.

Meanwhile, Steinlauf  — Edmunds’ CEO for nearly two years —said the company has prepared for Anwyl’s retirement, as he and Edmunds president and COO Seth Berkowitz as well as other Edmunds team member have taken on Anwyl’s previous roles.

Steinlauf and Berkowitz have lead Edmunds’ recent strategy shift.  

Having been “well-established as an automotive information resource,” the company said it is now concentrating fully on improving car-shopping process by fostering a “bridge of trust” between consumers and dealers.

For example, Edmunds rolled out Price Promise, which is designed to give shoppers a convenient and reliable way to know exactly what price they'll pay at the dealership. Dealers can guarantee prices through the program, and this allows for “a car-buying experience that is more consistent with today's most satisfying retail experiences, such as those on Amazon.com.”

It is the first in a series of “Promise” services from the company designed to improve the car-shopper experience for consumers. Price Promise appears to be generating some strong results — based on feedback from consumers and dealers, Edmunds has found that consumer satisfaction and dealer closing rates are stronger when Price Promise is used.

Edmunds plans on showcasing this new focus on improving the car-shopping process with its first-ever national TV ad campaign later this year.

 

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