CARY, N.C. -

Auto Remarketing publisher Ron Smith, who founded the magazine 20 years ago and has overseen the growth of Cherokee Automotive Group (CAG) to include magazines, digital newsletters and conferences, is retiring as publisher and will assume the title of publisher emeritus.

Bill Zadeits, Auto Remarketing’s associate publisher, is assuming the role of publisher of all automotive-related publications. All changes are effective Dec. 1.

In addition to Auto Remarketing, CAG publishes SubPrime Auto Finance News, several email newsletters like Auto Remarketing Today and SubPrime News Update and conducts national conferences like the National Remarketing Conference, Auto Remarketing Canada and the CPO Forum.

Smith will continue as CAG’s chairman and Zadeits as its president.

“It’s time to make this change as we prepare for the future,” Smith said on his stepping down as publisher. “This has actually been a transition we have had underway for several years. Bill has done an outstanding job as associate publisher, and now as publisher, he will be responsible for all publication activities. Also, because I will no longer be responsible for news operations, this will free me to pursue other activities within the used-car industry.”

Auto Remarketing began publishing in 1991 as a bi-monthly publication. Today the magazine is considered the leading media source in the used-car industry and is published twice per month with a circulation of approximately 45,000.

Smith began his used-car industry career with the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association in 1981 as assistant executive director. One of his principal responsibilities at NIADA was founding the magazine Used Car Dealer. After leaving NIADA to establish his own communications firm, Smith continued the responsibilities of publishing Used Car Dealer until 1990 when the association hired an internal staff. With the NIADA and CAG, Smith has a 30-year affiliation with the used-car industry.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to continue to play a part and lead in the growth with two of CAG’s finest properties,” added Zadeits. “Both the Auto Remarketing and  SubPrime media brands are expanding across the print, digital, conferences, Webinars and new media areas. As key business lines within the Cherokee Automotive Group, these media brands have established themselves as leaders in the industries they serve, and it’s my intention to do everything in my power to ensure that path of excellence continues.

“Ron has been and will continue to be a great visionary for the company and a terrific mentor for me personally. Though we’ll miss him around the table at the editorial meetings, I’m confident he’ll find a way to keep us focused on continual improvement,” Zadeits continued.

In addition to CAG, Smith’s other business venture includes S&A Cherokee that provides public relations services, graphic design, Web development, publishing and event planning.

“I have not pursued public relations clients in the used-car industry because I did not want the perception of conflict of interest since I was also directing news operations on that industry,” Smith said. “With the retirement from daily publisher responsibilities, I am more free to provide public relations counsel to automotive-related clients without a conflict problem.”

In addition to his publishing experience, Smith is also an experienced public relations counselor. He opened a public relations firm in 1982 that today serves clients in a wide range of industries. Smith has achieved the accreditation status from the Public Relations Society of America.

“And, of course, I expect that retirement from daily publisher responsibilities will result in more free time,” Smith said, noting that he wanted to spend more time away from work traveling and spending time with family.