Cox Automotive has appointed Jeremy Robb as chief economist, formalizing a role he has held on an interim basis since November, the company said.
Robb takes over the position following the promotion of former chief economist Jonathan Smoke to chief strategy officer. In his new role, Robb will be responsible for Cox Automotive’s economic forecasts, industry analysis, client briefings and media commentary, drawing on data from the company’s retail and wholesale platforms.
“His analytical skill and thought leadership — paired with a deep understanding of both the automotive marketplace and the broader macro-environment — make him the ideal voice to guide our clients and our business through the ongoing transformation of the automotive industry,” said Steve Rowley, president of Cox Automotive, in a statement.
Robb joined Cox Automotive in 2018 and has worked closely with the company’s Economic and Industry Insights team, with a focus on used-vehicle trends and broader market conditions. His work has incorporated data from brands including Manheim, Kelley Blue Book, Dealertrack and vAuto.
Before joining Cox Automotive, Robb held senior roles at Nissan and Infiniti, where he oversaw remarketing operations across the U.S. and Canada. He also previously led finance operations at Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. Robb holds a bachelor’s degree in music and economics from Vanderbilt University, an executive MBA from the University of North Alabama, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
He is a frequent industry commentator on vehicle sales trends, monetary policy and the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index, which is widely followed as a measure of wholesale pricing.



