Pep Boys names new CEO

PHILADELPHIA (June 15, 2015) — Scott P. Sider has been appointed the new chief executive officer of Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack, effective today.

Mr. Sider also was appointed to the Philadelphia-based automotive aftermarket chain's board of directors. In connection with his appointment, John Sweetwood, who is currently serving as interim CEO, will resume his position as an independent board member, Pep Boys said.

Board Chairman Bob Hotz called Mr. Sider a “proven leader with automotive service and retail experience,” noting the company conducted a comprehensive search  and the board of directors was unanimous in its selection of him, while also thanking Mr. Sweetwood for his service as interim CEO.

Mr. Sider, 54, who had been based in Naples, Fla., most recently served as Hertz Corp.'s group president, Rent A Car Americas, the company's largest division — a multi-billion dollar business with more than 3,200 locations and 16,000 employees. He joined Hertz in 1983 and, according to his LinkedIn page, helped transition Hertz from a division of Ford Motor Co. to a controlled company by private equity to a public company. “As president of (Hertz) North America's Off Airport Operations, Scott oversaw a 120,000 car fleet and 2,600 locations across the country, driving rapid market expansion.”

Pep Boys said that, over the course of his tenure with Hertz, Mr. Sider “assumed many leadership positions of increasing responsibility including area manager Manhattan, divisional vice president Western Region and president, Off Airport Operations. “He distinguished himself by focusing on customer and employee satisfaction, asset management and digital integration.”

Mr. Sider cited his experiences at Hertz as having provided him “with an appreciation of customer satisfaction through differentiation, a deep understanding of vehicle maintenance and the need for continual process improvement.”

Combined with “Pep Boys' iconic brand, he continued, “makes this a very exciting opportunity for me. I look forward to leading all the Pep Boys associates as we accelerate our sales and profit improvement.”

Pep Boys operates more than 7,500 service bays in over 800 locations in 35 states and Puerto Rico.