ROANOKE, VA —

To support continued growth of the company, auto parts and accessories retailer Advance Auto Parts has promoted two of its senior executives to new positions. Larry Castellani, Advance chairman and CEO announced the promotions today.

Jeff Gray has been promoted to the newly created post of executive vice president from senior vice president. Gray also serves as CFO for the company and will continue to serve in this capacity as well. Gray has held the title of senior vice president and CFO since August 2003 and has led the day-to-day operations of the financial team for the last four years. Gray joined Advance in 1994 and has served in numerous key leadership positions. He assisted in the negotiation of the acquisition of Discount Auto Parts in November 2001. Gray will continue to report to Mr. Castellani.

Dave Mueller has been promoted to executive vice president, merchandising and marketing from senior vice president, merchandising and marketing. With this promotion, Mueller will join the company’s Executive Committee. Mueller joined Advance in March 2003 as vice president of merchandising support and was promoted to senior vice president in October 2003. He has been instrumental in a number of key initiatives including the implementation of the company’s category management program. Prior to joining the company, Mueller spent 29 years in the grocery, natural foods and vitamin industries. He was also formerly director of category management for Ahold USA. Mueller will report to Mike Coppola, executive vice president and COO. Coppola has been designated to become the company’s CEO in May 2005.

For more information about Advance, go to: www.advanceautoparts.com.

_______________________________________

Click here to view the rest of today’s headlines.