Genuine Parts Company (GPC) — parent company of MRO and automation supplies distributor Motion (seen in numerous categories on MDM’s 2025 Top Distributor’s Lists) — announced the upcoming retirement of Non-Executive Chairman Paul Donahue from the firm’s board of directors at the company’s 2026 annual meeting of shareholders. GPC’s board has appointed Will Stengel, currently the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, to the additional role of board chairman.

Upon Donahue’s retirement, Stengel will assume the combined position of chairman and CEO.

Donahue has been with GPC for 23 years, starting as EVP of Sales & Marketing for its then-subsidiary S.P. Richards. He became President of GPC’s U.S. Automotive Parts Group (NAPA) in 2009 and was GPC’s CEO from 2016-2024 and added the chairman role in 2019, transitioning to non-executive chairman in mid-2024.

Meanwhile, Stengel came to GPC in 2019 after an 11-year tenure at HD Supply Facilities Maintenance. He was GPC’s Chief Transformation Officer for a year before becoming President at the start of 2021, added COO responsibilities at the start of 2023 and became CEO in June of 2024.

In a Jan. 15 news release, GPC said the combined roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer promote unified leadership and direction for the company and leverage Stengel’s extensive operational and strategic expertise.

“It has been a privilege to serve GPC, and I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished together,” Donahue said. “As I prepare to retire from the board, I am pleased with the board’s decision to appoint Will as the company’s next chairman. His strategic clarity and deep understanding of our businesses make him the ideal leader to guide GPC forward as we enter this next chapter.”

“I am deeply humbled to assume the role of chairman upon Paul’s retirement,” Stengel added. “Paul has been an incredible mentor, and his leadership has been pivotal to the success of GPC. I look forward to collaborating closely with the Board and our talented team as we continue to pursue operational and strategic initiatives that drive profitable growth and long-term value for shareholders.”

The Automotive Parts Group of Genuine Parts Company operates across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australasia, France, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Portugal, while the Industrial Parts Group (Motion) serves customers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australasia.