#USA #Atlanta #Genuine Parts #Court Carruthers #Will Stengel

Genuine Parts Company Restructures Leadership for Future Growth

Genuine Parts Company (GPC), recognized as a prominent global provider of automotive and industrial replacement parts, is gearing up for a significant shift in its corporate structure. Set to complete its separation into two independent publicly traded companies in early 2027, GPC has announced new leadership appointments aimed at steering both divisions effectively during this transformative phase.

Upcoming Leadership Changes

Court Carruthers, an established board member at GPC, has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer-elect. This appointment is effective immediately, and he is expected to step into the CEO role upon completion of the separation. With a robust background in business-to-business distribution, Carruthers has extensive operational and executive experience, including a notable tenure as Chief Executive Officer at TricorBraun, where he expanded the company's reach significantly.

Jean-Jacques Lafont, who co-founded GPC’s European operations, will serve as Non-Executive Chairman of GPC post-separation. His vast knowledge in the automotive aftermarket will be instrumental as GPC focuses on its goals and strategies in the evolving marketplace. Current CEO Will Stengel will transition to lead the newly formed Motion as Chairman and CEO, marking a new chapter for both companies.

The careful selection process of the leadership team reflects GPC's commitment to positioning both entities to thrive in their respective industries. Russ Hardin, Lead Director of GPC, expressed confidence in the ability of these individuals to drive growth and enhance shareholder value through focused strategies tailored to their distinct markets.

New Executive Roles

In addition to Carruthers stepping up as CEO-elect, the GPC leadership team will also include Bert Nappier as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Operating Officer. This strategic alignment aims to solidify the operational and financial frameworks of GPC as it prepares for its standalone identity.

Other key appointments within GPC involve:

• - Jenn Hulett as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer
• - Chris Galla as Senior Vice President and General Counsel
• - Alain Masse overseeing North American Automotive Operations
• - Franck Baduel leading the European Automotive sector
• - Rob Cameron as Managing Director and Group CEO for Australasia.

This newly formed executive team brings a wealth of experience and industry knowledge that will guide GPC's strategic initiatives as it continues to adapt and grow.

Motion's Leadership Team

As for Motion, Will Stengel's leadership transition comes at a critical time as the company establishes itself as a standalone entity. James Howe has been elevated to President and Chief Operating Officer, bringing with him 30 years of company experience, and will lead the day-to-day operations of Motion. Howard Yu has also joined Motion as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, equipped with extensive finance and capital markets experience, preparing the company for its public debut.

Kevin Stone and Billy Hamilton, already significant figures within Motion, will take on the roles of Chief Information Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer, respectively. Together, they will comprise a leadership team capable of driving Motion’s strategic vision in the highly competitive industrial market.

Investor Engagement Efforts

To communicate their growth strategies and plans to investors, both Genuine Parts Company and Motion will host separate investor days in New York City in December 2026. GPC's Investor Day is scheduled for December 8, followed by Motion's on December 9, 2026. These events are expected to reveal insights into the operational focuses and investment pathways each company will undertake to solidify their market positions.

Conclusion

As Genuine Parts Company prepares for this pivotal separation, the newly appointed leadership teams reflect a thoughtful and strategic approach designed to enhance operational efficiency and drive growth. With strong leaders at the helm and a clear path forward, both GPC and Motion are poised to make significant strides in their respective industries, delivering value to shareholders and customers alike. The separation, scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027, marks an exciting next chapter for both entities, as they leverage their strengths to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving market landscape.