RALEIGH, N.C. – General Parts Inc. has promoted Craig Barnes to senior vice president, merchandising. In his new role, he will be responsible for creating industry leading first-to-market programs utilizing the group’s OE and global supplier base and bringing customers the highest-quality products and competitive prices. Also under Barnes’ leadership, will be category management, global sourcing, plan-o-gramming, eServices and commercial- and retail-based product lines. 
“Craig’s 26 years of experience in automotive merchandising category management, store operations and supply chain management make him a perfect fit for this new role,” said President & CEO Temple Sloan III. “He has a proven track record of delivering profitable revenue growth, operational excellence and people development.”
Barnes joined CARQUEST in 2009, and prior to that he worked for more than 20 years at AutoZone, in progressively responsible positions. Most recently he served as vice president, Merchandising Brake Systems, Under Car, Global Sourcing and Quality, where he was responsible for sales planning and plan achievement, strategic category planning and plan execution, P&L management, new business development and supplier negotiations for brake systems, chassis, steering, ride control, drive train and exhaust categories.
Todd Hack, president of CARQUEST Corp. and senior vice president, marketing, will continue to lead the marketing organization, which will focus on programs and promotions targeting commercial customers, TECH-NET Professional Auto Service, CARQUEST Technical Institute, Tool & Equipment and Fleet Solutions. Hack is also responsible for the company’s advertising and motorsports programs.
