ROANOKE, VA — Advance Auto Parts has appointed Darren Jackson, 43, president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 7, 2008. Jackson, who has been a member of the Advance Auto Parts Board of Directors since 2004, will replace interim president and chief executive officer John Brouillard. Brouillard, who also joined the Advance Auto Parts Board in 2004, will assume the position of non-executive chairman. Jackson will also remain on the board.
Jackson joins Advance Auto Parts from Best Buy Co., Inc. where he is currently executive vice president of Customer Operating Groups. In this role, Jackson leads Best Buy’s entertainment, PC mobility and home solutions operating groups and also has oversight for enterprise merchandising. In addition, he oversees Best Buy Financial Services, Best Buy for Business, Magnolia Audio Video and Pacific Sales. Jackson joined Best Buy in 2000. He was named executive vice president, finance and chief financial officer in 2001 and began transitioning into his current position earlier in 2007.
"Since May, our board of directors has undertaken an exhaustive search for an executive with a proven track record who can lead this company to its fullest potential," said Brouillard. "While over the past several months we interviewed and considered several outstanding candidates, the board asked Darren to consider becoming our president and CEO for a variety of reasons. Since joining our board in 2004, Darren has been instrumental in facilitating the strategic redirection of the company. In addition, he has built an exceptionally strong track record of leadership in the retailing industry and has the unique advantage of knowing our company based on his board of directors service. Darren also provided the board with a comprehensive overview of how Advance Auto Parts could best capitalize on growth opportunities while enhancing value for all of our stakeholders. We are delighted that he has agreed to become our president and chief executive officer and I look forward to working with him as we pursue our mutual goal of becoming the leader in our industry."
"Advance Auto Parts has a great team of 45,000 members, a strong franchise, and an industry leading store format with a long runway for expansion," said Jackson. "Our opportunity is to set the standard of excellence for the customer experience in the commercial and Do-It-Yourself businesses. Our goal is to become the industry leader through a relentless focus on the customer. We expect to achieve our goal by expanding and innovating around customer needs, being a strong customer advocate and maximizing the talents of our team members. I’m honored to have this opportunity, eagerly await the ride ahead and look forward to working with the Advance Auto Parts team as well as the board."
Prior to Best Buy, Jackson began his retail career with Carson Pirie Scott in Milwaukee in 1989 and moved to Seattle-based Nordstrom Stores in 1998. Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Marquette University. He also serves as vice chairman of the board of trustees of the University and is on the board of the Cristo Rey Network.
