RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has announced that Paul McCarthy has joined the association as its new vice president of research, planning and member services, member satisfaction.

His responsibilities include planning and execution of market research programs and products for AASA’s full service supplier members, developing the association’s strategic planning and implementing business intelligence initiatives for members.

“Paul brings a wealth of experience in research and strategic planning to AASA, and we are thrilled to have him as a vital part of the AASA team,” said Steve Handschuh, president and COO of AASA. “Our members consistently rate AASA market research at the top of association activities that provide them the most value. Paul understands the automotive aftermarket and will enhance our market research offerings.”

McCarthy brings 14 years of experience in the automotive sector to his new position at AASA, primarily at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). He has served since 2006 as lead of the Automotive and Industrial Products Strategy Practice at PwC, heading its strategy efforts in the automotive and industrial products sectors. He has been cited in The Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Reuters, Ward's and Automotive News. 

His past experience includes: heading PwC Germany’s Automotive Strategy practice; serving as an executive in PwC’s Management Consulting and Transaction Services practices; consulting to Ford on future product programs; and leading global analysis for a major vehicle and market forecast service, Autofacts.