The Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has announced a series of senior leadership changes. Todd Hitchcock has joined the company as a senior vice president and chief strategy and transformation officer, and Lori Smith has been promoted to chief information officer.

Hitchcock, who has been consulting for UTI for two years, was appointed to this newly created position effective Jan. 6. He is tasked with overseeing implementation of the company’s current strategy and leading UTI’s efforts to identify and leverage new opportunities for growth. Hitchcock has more than 20 years of leadership experience in the education sector.

Smith is now responsible for evolving UTI’s technology, as well as business intelligence strategies and infrastructure. She has been with the company for 25 years and has held a number of leadership positions. Since 2009, Smith has been UTI’s vice president of business intelligence and compliance.

Meanwhile, the company has begun a national search for a senior vice president and chief commercial officer. This new position is related to UTI’s efforts to evolve its marketing and admissions. This new executive will lead a new, integrated approach to student engagement, according to the company.

As a result of this shift in responsibilities, Piper Jameson has left UTI “to pursue other interests,” according to the company. Jameson was UTI’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer.