After decades of keeping time like a steady drumbeat of automotive market analysis, Tom Kontos enters his swan song as chief economist at ADESA.

Kontos is retiring next month, with his official last day at ADESA being Aug. 16, marking the coda to a 40-year career, the last 30 of which were spent as an auction industry analyst and economist.

“Tom’s contributions to ADESA and the broader automotive industry are immeasurable,” said Mike Caggiano, executive vice president of ADESA, in a statement. “His expertise and insights have significantly advanced our understanding of the market, and his work will continue to influence the industry for years to come. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”

In his role as chief economist, Kontos heads up ADESA Analytical Services, working with dealers and other clients, Wall Street and auto analysts as well as journalists, sharing in-depth information on the economic and auto industry — specifically the remarketing piece of it.

His monthly “Kontos Kommentary” reports are utilized by the industry and reporters alike, delving into specific segment-by-segment data on used-car prices and his unique take on the automotive market.

Wednesday’s report will be the final Kontos Kommentary issued.

Carvana acquired the ADESA U.S. business operations in 2022 from KAR Global, and Kontos remained with ADESA, moving over to the new parent company after years with KAR.

During his time with KAR, he helped develop remarketing and salvage strategies for its clients throughout the U.S. and Canada and authored such reports as Global Vehicle Remarketing and Pulse.

Kontos also scooped up a litany of industry awards along the way and has been a frequent speaker and panelist at Cherokee Media Group’s conferences and other events throughout the auto industry.

Kontos career in the auto auction industry began at what was then ADT Automotive.

It will end with him having carved out a few decades as the symbol of thoughtful, detailed analysis, a steady beat of measured insights.

*CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story had the retirement data at Aug. 14. The correct date is Aug. 16.