LAS VEGAS – Robert Susor, president of NAPA and executive vice president of Genuine Parts Co. (GPC) was presented with the Martin Fromm Lifetime Achievement Award by the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) at its 2010 annual conference in Las Vegas.
This very selective award recognizes individuals who, over the course of many years, have distinguished themselves through their commitment to, and high level of performance within, the motor vehicle aftermarket. Recipients of this award are considered to be “backbones” of the industry.
A native of Ohio and lifelong participant in the automotive parts business, Susor joined NAPA and Genuine Parts Co. in 1968 after attending The Ohio State University. His responsibilities have included sales, marketing and general management with GPC’s U.S., Canadian and Mexican operations. Susor was named president of NAPA and executive vice president of Genuine Parts Co. in 2003 and serves in that capacity today.
Susor’s commitment to the industry runs deep. Time and again, when his industry or association required NAPA’s assistance, he unselfishly volunteered the resources of the industry’s largest parts seller. Susor served on AWDA’s Board of Governors for three years and was a key player in the development of AWDA’s strategic plan. He is currently a board member at the Automotive Hall of Fame.
Susor has consistently supported AAIA’s and AWDA’s government affairs initiatives by helping to coordinate the response of NAPA’s thousands of parts stores and affiliated AutoCare centers. He played a key role in the successful OBD campaign in the 1990’s and still actively participates in the industry-wide Right to Repair efforts.
“Bob is a long-time industry veteran who has devoted his entire 40-plus year’s career to the automotive aftermarket. He is well known and highly regarded throughout the aftermarket,” said Tom Gallagher, president, CEO and Chairman of Genuine Parts.
When presenting the award, AWDA Chairman Willi Alexander of Uni-Select U.S.A. said, “Robert J. Susor, defines the term ‘gentleman.’ What has always struck me – and many others – about Bob is his quiet thoughtfulness, his humility and his dignity. This despite the tremendous corporate responsibilities he has always shouldered. Bob Susor is an industry treasure and well deserving of this prestigious award.”
