ROANOKE, Va. (April 5, 2013) — Saying it needed to "simplify its organizational alignment, improve role clarity and provide a more intense focus on strategic and operational execution," Advance Auto Parts Inc. has named former Target Brands Inc. executive George Sherman president.
The aftermarket retailer of parts, batteries, accessories and maintenance products said in his new role, Mr. Sherman will be responsible for growing commercial and driving excellence throughout the company's operations. He will lead the company's Commercial Sales, Field Operations, Store Operations Support, Merchandising, Marketing, Supply Chain and Ecommerce units.
Mr. Sherman served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force for seven years. Afterward, he was with Target for 15 years where he worked his way from store manager to regional vice president, then serving as senior vice president of store operations for Target's Mervyn's department stores.
He then moved to Home Depot where he led the company's installation business as senior vice president and president of its Home Services Division. Most recently, Mr. Sherman served as senior vice president of Best Buy Services, which included leading the Geek Squad.
Mr. Sherman will report to Darren Jackson, Advance's CEO, and will relocate to Roanoke, where the company is based.
In other organizational changes, Advance said Charles Tyson, who currently serves as senior vice president, merchandising and marketing, has been promoted to executive vice president, merchandising, marketing and supply chain. He joined the company in 2008 as senior vice president, merchandising and "has been instrumental in improving the company's gross profit rate, strengthening its parts assortment and positioning the company as an industry leader in inventory availability," Advance said. In his new role, he will report to Mr. Sherman.
Jim Durkin, currently serving as president, Autopart International (AI), will assume the new role of senior vice president, commercial business, and will be responsible for the company's commercial sales team, commercial marketing and AI. He joined AI in 2011 and, according to Advance, "under his leadership AI has seen its largest period of growth and expansion." Before joining AI, Mr. Durkin led the global business segment of OfficeMax, where he served as executive vice president. Prior to working at that firm, Mr. Durkin served as vice president of sales for ARAMARK Corp. He will report to Mr. Sherman and will relocate to Roanoke.
All of the executive changes above are effective April 21.
The company also announced that Tammy Finley, most recently vice president, employment counsel and government affairs, has been promoted to senior vice president, human resources, effective immediately. Ms. Finley joined Advance in 1998 and has served in several human resources and legal capacities including vice president, human resources. Her tenure and background in HR "will be a tremendous asset as she takes over leadership of the company's human resources functions, including team member relations, organizational development and staffing," Advance said. She will report to Mr. Jackson and will continue to be based in Roanoke.
Mr. Jackson said that "in order to allow our leaders to better inspire their teams, serve their customers and grow our business, we needed to simplify our business alignment and clarify roles so we can work together to build on our capabilities, accelerate our commercial growth and improve our profitability."
As a result of the changes, Mr. Jackson, president and CEO, will continue to operate as the company's chief executive officer and will focus on strategic and leadership development, Advance said. Additionally, the role of chief operating officer, currently held by Kevin Freeland, has been eliminated.
Mr. Freeland, who has been with the company since 2008, has been a "critical part of the company's success over the past five years and has helped build stronger ecommerce, supply chain and inventory capabilities," according to the firm. The role of senior vice president, commercial sales and marketing, which is currently held by Donna Broome, also has been eliminated. Ms. Broome joined the company in 2008 and has played a key role in developing its commercial sales force.
Advance said both Mr. Freeland and Ms. Broome will remain with the company for a period of time "to allow for a smooth transition of their leadership responsibilities."
Advance Auto, as of year-end 2012, operated 3,794 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.