AKRON — Myers Industries Inc. has hired automotive industry veteran Paul Johnson to lead its distribution segment, succeeding Chris DuPaul, who left Myers after three-plus years leading the business unit that includes Myers Tire Supply and Tuffy Manufacturing Industries.
Mr. Johnson brings 30-plus years of automotive aftermarket experience to Myers, where he will oversee the company's growing distribution business, which represents one-third of Myers' overall sales.
Most recently he was president of International Brake Industries, a private-equity portfolio company specializing in brake-related components for the North American automotive aftermarket. He also has held sales and leadership positions at NTN Corp., Federal-Mogul Corp., Boeing Corp. and General Motors Co.
Myers President and CEO Mike McGaugh said he believes Mr. Johnson's "deep understanding of the automotive distribution market will be critical to the success of the distribution segment" as he takes over. The appointment was effective March 15.
Mr. Johnson said he is "honored" to join Myers "at such a critical time in the company's history.
"Myers' mission to become an industry leader that is keenly focused on driving organic growth initiatives, as well as commercial and operational excellence, provides an exciting opportunity to leverage my automotive aftermarket experience to build on the success Chris and his team established in 2020."
Mr. McGaugh thanked Mr. DuPaul — who is returning to the healthcare industry — "for his contributions to Myers and his leadership in building a strong foundation for our Distribution segment. … [W]e are grateful for his success in driving annual revenue growth and improved profitability within the segment."
During 2020, the business unit reported operating income of $12.2 million sales of $166.5 million, improvements of 20.7% and 4.5%, respectively. The sales increase was tied to incremental sales from the acquisition of Tuffy Manufacturing in mid- 2019, while the higher income was due to higher sales volume and savings from the segment's transformation plan, partially offset by an unfavorable product mix.
