Photo caption: AutoZone has promoted Tom Newbern (left) to COO and Jamere Jackson to CFO.
On the heels of AutoZone’s announcement in June that longtime CEO Bill Rhodes will be stepping down, the company has announced several additional leadership moves.
On Sept. 18, AutoZone said the company has promoted Tom Newbern, currently executive vice president, operations, sales and technology, to chief operating officer. Newbern has been with the company for 38 years.
AutoZone has promoted, Jamere Jackson, currently chief financial officer and executive vice president, finance and store development, to chief financial officer. Jackson will continue to lead the finance and store development teams.
Daniele is positioning Newbern and Jackson as equivalents and the senior-most leaders of his leadership team.
Additionally, Bill Hackney, a 38-year AutoZoner, currently senior vice president, merchandising, has been promoted to executive vice president, merchandising, marketing and supply chain. Hackney replaces CEO-Elect Phil Daniele, who previously held the role.
“I’m very excited about these strategic moves, which position us well for continued growth,” Daniele said. “Jamere and Tom are exceptional leaders and having them at my side will be an enormous benefit. Also, Bill Hackney’s promotion to executive vice president reflects the deep strength of our leadership team. All are proven leaders and poised to serve our customers and lead our company for many years to come.”
Finally, three of AutoZone’s other executive committee members will be retiring around the end of the calendar year, consistent with AutoZone’s long-standing succession plan.
Retiring are Grant McGee, senior vice president, commercial; Charlie Pleas, senior vice president, finance and accounting; and Al Saltiel, senior vice president, marketing and e-commerce.
AutoZone said the company will replace McGee and Saltiel, and will be restructuring Pleas’s role.
