Discount Tire names Zuieback CEO

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 27, 2015) — Discount Tire/America's Tire has promoted Michael Zuieback, president for the past few years, to CEO.

He succeeds Tom Englert, who will remain an adviser to Mr. Zuieback.

“It is time for us to pass the torch to the next generation of leadership,” said Bruce Halle, founder and chairman of Scottsdale-based Discount Tire. “We are grateful for Tom's tremendous service and look forward to his contributions for years to come. Tom will remain an important member of the board of directors as adviser to the CEO.”

Mr. Zuieback has been with Discount Tire for 14 years, first as executive vice president of strategic planning before becoming president. He is Mr. Halle's stepson.

As president, he was in charge of corporate strategy for the company at the executive and board level. He helped initiate the company's cross-dock logistics procedure with Mr. Englert, who has been with Discount Tire for nearly 40 years.

Prior to joining Discount Tire, Mr. Zuieback was treasurer of Asia Pacific for Johnson Controls Inc., senior manager of foreign exchange and international finance for Sara Lee Corp. and credit analyst at First America Bank.

“Over his tenure, [Mr.] Zuieback has demonstrated a passion for preserving and growing the ‘Discount Tire Dream.' He has been influential in planning for the future and has helped the company adapt an integrated way of thinking,” Mr. Halle said. “We take pride in originating our growth from within. [Mr.] Zuieback has been fundamental in taking us to where we are today and his vision will help us reach new heights.”

Mr. Englert joined Discount Tire in 1975, when the company's network consisted of 23 stores. The dealership opened its 900th store in late December.

Mr. Englert started as a store manager for six years before advancing to assistant vice president in Arizona and California and then vice president of dealership operations in Colorado. After achieving record success, he joined the corporate office as senior vice president of store operations.

In that position, Discount Tire said, he developed the dealership's Certified Satisfaction training program and continued to help the company achieve record earnings. He also initiated a synchronized supply chain, connecting disparate groups together to better serve customers.

Mr. Englert was named CEO in 2004, succeeding Gary Van Brunt. Under Mr. Englert's leadership as CEO, Discount Tire's annual sales have more than doubled to $4.3 billion from $1.8 and profits have quadrupled.