Genuine Parts Co.’s (GPC) board of directors has elected Paul Donahue to the position of president and CEO of the company, effective May 1. Donahue has served as president of the company since 2012 and also was president of the U.S. Automotive Parts Group from 2009 to 2015. Previously, he served as executive vice president of Genuine Parts Co. from 2007 to 2009 and president and chief operating officer of S. P. Richards Co. from 2003 to 2007. Prior to joining the company in 2003, Donahue was president of Newell Rubbermaid’s Sanford North American division.

Tom Gallagher, current chairman and CEO of the company, will continue in his position as chairman of the board of directors.

Gallagher stated, “We are extremely pleased to name Paul as only the fifth CEO in the 88 year history of Genuine Parts Co. Paul is a proven executive and has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities in his 13 years with us. His deep knowledge and understanding of the company as well as his vast industry experience make him the right person to successfully lead our company into the future.”