Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s chief of staff is stepping down next week to take a job with an auto industry group in Washington.

Brownback’s office announced Landon Fulmer’s departure Monday. Fulmer has been the Republican governor’s chief of staff since April 2012.

Fulmer will become vice president of state affairs with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. It represents 12 companies accounting for 77 percent of U.S. car and light truck sales.

Brownback said he is promoting Jon Hummell from policy director to chief of staff. Hummell will keep his duties as policy director until the position can be filled.

The governor’s office also said that Chuck Knapp will serve as chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer while remaining as operations director at the Department for Children and Families.