ATLANTA – Tom Gallagher, chairman, president and CEO of Genuine Parts Co. (GPC), announced that its board of directors has elected Paul Donahue to the position of president of Genuine Parts Co., making him only the seventh president in the company’s 84-year history. 

Donahue, 55, was previously executive vice president of Genuine Parts Co. and also serves as president of the U.S. Automotive Parts Group. Gallagher will continue in the roles of chairman and CEO. According to GPC spokesman Sid Jones, Donahue’s appointment is part of a planned succession.

Gallagher commented, “This is a significant move for Paul, as well as for GPC, and one we are extremely pleased to announce. His proven leadership, experience and success make him an excellent choice as the company’s next president.”

Gallagher explained that Donahue joined GPC from Newell Rubbermaid, where he was president of its Sanford North America division. After joining S.P. Richards Co., GPC’s Office Products Group, as executive vice president – sales and marketing in 2003, Donahue was quickly promoted to president and chief operating officer of S.P. Richards Co., a position he held until his election to executive vice president of Genuine Parts Co. in 2007.

“Since 2007, Paul has provided strong leadership to several of our automotive business units, including: Rayloc, our remanufacturing operation; Balkamp, our repackaging group; Auto Todo, our Mexican aftermarket business; and Altrom, our import parts distribution operation,” Gallagher said. “He also led our global sourcing initiative and in July 2009 was elected president of the U.S. Automotive Parts Group. The Automotive Group’s strong performance under Paul’s direction exemplifies his effective leadership style.”
Donahue will continue to serve as president of the U.S. Automotive Parts Group and will maintain his day-to-day responsibilities for the Group. In addition, as GPC’s president, he will be more involved in the company’s corporate-wide operations and initiatives.