MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Automotive Distribution Network has promoted Tom Frey to serve as the association’s new director of product, according to Mike Lambert, president of the Network.

“Tom brings diverse, real-world aftermarket experience to the position, from running a warehouse to overseeing responsibility for a store group to running the product department for Tier Parts, a longtime Parts Plus warehouse distributor,” Lambert said. “His Parts Plus background enabled Tom to make a smooth transition when he joined the Network Headquarters staff as senior product manager of hard parts in October 2006. I’m confident that Tom can help the Network meet the product needs of our members and their customers as the industry evolves.”

Under his watch, Frey maintains that the Network Product Department will continue to help the association’s members profitably compete with big retailers, wholesalers and car dealerships.

 “Today, it’s as much about providing information and access to parts as it is about driving lower acquisition costs from part manufacturers and importers,” Frey said. “Parts proliferation adds to this challenge, as distributors cannot afford to continue carrying multiple brands of the same part for the same application. The Network will provide the data-management tools that our members and manufacturer partners need in order to supply the parts that professional technicians want, without duplicating inventory. We will build upon the already strong relationships with our manufacturers so we can more effectively meet the needs of today’s technician.”