SAN ANTONIO, Texas — For more than 15 years, Richard (Dick) Morgan has served as president and CEO of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance (Alliance). On his retirement, effective Dec. 31, 2009, Morgan culminated a 48-year career of successes in the industry.
“I’ve been fortunate to have spent the final years of my career at the Alliance,” said Morgan. “This is the best group around, and I’m not just saying that because of any contributions I might have made; I truly believe the membership is the best in the industry because of their professionalism and continuing commitment to excellence. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished together and I know under the leadership of John Washbish, the Alliance will continue to expand and grow even further.”
On Jan. 1, John Washbish officially assumed the position as president and CEO of the Alliance. He brings with him more than 35 years of experience in the aftermarket serving in various positions with industry manufacturers.
Eli Futerman, chairman of the board of Alliance said, “We’re fortunate things worked out the way they did with the timing of Dick’s retirement and John’s availability to take the reigns of the Alliance. The board believes we made the right choice in John because he’s coming from a supplier background and will bring new ideas and directions that will only build on the successes created by Dick, but with his own interpretation.”
Washbish was national sales manager of Michigan Engine Bearings (1982-1986) and AEC Universal Joints (1975-1981). From 1987 to 2000, he was president of Clevite Engine Parts, acquired in 1998 by Dana Corp.
In 2000, Washbish became president of the Dana Under Hood Group and in April of 2003 became president of the new Customer Relationship Management Group. In late 2004, Dana sold its aftermarket business to Cypress Group, a private equity investment firm. The new company was renamed Affinia Group and included WIX Global Filtration, Brake Parts, Affinia do Brazil and Quinton Hazell. Washbish was given dual responsibilities and held the titles of president, customer relationship management and president, Under Vehicle Group. He also served as a director on the Affinia Group board.
Washbish was born in Miami, Fla., but his family moved to Kentucky when he was a child. His experience in the parts business began at age eight when he started visiting his family's successful automotive and heavy-duty parts distribution business in Louisville.
He graduated from Northwood University with an associate’s degree in automotive aftermarket management and a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1975. In 2000, he added to his aftermarket education by receiving the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) degree from the University of the Aftermarket.
In service to the industry, Washbish’s experience includes stints as president of the Automotive Sales Council and National Engine Parts Manufacturer's Association. He has served as chairman of the Young Executive Society and the Manufacturer's Advisory Council of AWDA. He has held seats on the board of directors for the Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. He served on the Michigan Board of Governors for Northwood University, as well as on the school's Aftermarket Curriculum Advisory Council.
Washbish has been recognized for his leadership with numerous awards including the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association Leader of the Year. He also received Northwood's Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award, and twice was recognized as the University's Alumni of the Year.
“Dick has done a tremendous job leading the Alliance; I am honored to follow in his footsteps,” said Washbish. “I’m ready for the challenge and delighted to have started this next chapter of my life in San Antonio and with the Alliance. Over the last year, we’ve conducted a smooth management transition and I look forward to continuing to work with the shareholders of Alliance and all of our vendor partners.”
