LENEXA, Kan. – Automotive Parts Associates (APA) has hired Gary Martin as executive vice president. Martin will be responsible for maximizing APA’s operating performance and overseeing APA’s strategic plan. He will be working to further integrate member and vendor participation in APA’s data warehouse. Public relations and training will be key components of his new position. Martin will be based at APA’s headquarters in Lenexa, Kan., and will report directly to Dan Freeman, president and CEO.
 
Martin brings more than 18 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, having worked in sales at CARDONE Industries since 1994. At CARDONE Industries, Martin had dual responsibility as director of traditional market sales for Canada and as director of program distribution sales for North America. In these roles, he worked directly with APA and its shareholders on a regular basis. Prior to CARDONE Industries, Martin was general manager for Four M Corp. and Gaylord Container. He holds a bachelor of science in business management from University of Phoenix and has received the Automotive Aftermarket Professional designation from AWDA University.
 
"Martin has a proven track record as a strategist who will also be a great fit with our group’s culture," said Freeman. "We are excited about the contributions he will make in his role by integrating his strong background to further drive APA’s success."
 
In July 2013, Freeman announced plans to retire from APA. At that time, a search committee was established to look for his successor as president and CEO.
http://www.aftermarketnews.com/Item/102749/automotive_parts_associates_president_and_ceo_dan_freeman_announces_retirement.aspx