Brent Windom, president and CEO of Auto Plus, has announced the appointments of several key individuals to the leadership team. In June of this year, Icahn Enterprises completed its acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Uni-Select USA Inc.’s and Beck/Arnley Worldparts, which supported the U.S. automotive parts distribution business of Uni-Select Inc. The transaction included 38 distribution centers and satellite locations, 240 corporately owned jobber stores and more than 3,500 employees in the United States. Icahn Enterprises retained the Auto Plus brand name and Brent Windom was named president and CEO of Auto Plus.
“We are beginning a new phase of growth with the support of Icahn Enterprises,” said Windom. “We are a strong and profitable, customer focused company with strong technological capabilities and an aggressive growth plan. The aftermarket parts industry is expected to expand significantly over the next five years. So, I am very pleased we were able to attract top talent in key leadership positions after our acquisition by Icahn Enterprises in June was finalized. Now our team is well-poised to pursue Auto Plus’ aggressive growth strategy.”
Windom announced the following new appointments to the Auto Plus executive team:
Mike Englert has been named chief financial officer of Auto Plus. Englert previously served as vice president, finance for the company. In this new role, Englert will oversee all financial functions of Auto Plus. Prior to joining Auto Plus, Englert, a Certified Public Accountant, served in Ernst and Young’s audit practice.
Gary Desai was named chief information officer (CIO) of the organization, bringing to Auto Plus more than 30 years of Information Technology (IT) leadership and expertise. Desai will oversee all IT functions in this new role. Before his move to Auto Plus, Desai served as senior vice president, CIO, vice president, IT and Business Transformation and Director of Information Services for various organizations in the automobile industry.
Matt Flannery has been appointed general counsel. In this new role, Flannery will oversee all legal matters for Auto Plus. Flannery joins Auto Plus from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., where he served as senior counsel. Prior to Goodyear, Flannery held the positions of senior litigation counsel at Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. and associate counsel for Jones Day law firm. He brings more than 20 years of legal experience to the company.
Pete Bednarzyk was named senior vice president, supply chain. In his new role, Bednarzyk will manage all aspects of product flow, from manufacturers, to Auto Plus and its customers. Prior to his appointment, Bednarzyk served as senior director, supply chain for Home Depot. His more than 20 years of experience also includes supply chain management positions for Office Depot and FedEx.
Elizabeth Johnson will serve as vice president of human resources. Johnson is a 20-year human resource practitioner, holding management positions with companies such as Anheuser-Busch and Uni-Select prior to Auto Plus.
“These individuals will help us support the organization during our time of expansion through acquisitions and organic growth,” says Windom. “Our appointed executive team is comprised of industry experts and leaders who will be integral to the continued success of Auto Plus.”
