Genuine Parts Company (GPC) confirmed that long‑time board member Paul D. Donahue will step down at the 2026 annual meeting, and President and Chief Executive Officer Will Stengel will assume the role of Chairman of the Board. The move consolidates the company’s top leadership, giving Stengel a unified mandate to steer GPC’s strategy as it pursues restructuring and technology initiatives.
Donahue, who has served on GPC’s board for more than two decades, praised the company’s progress and expressed confidence in Stengel’s leadership. “I am proud of what we have achieved together,” Donahue said. “I leave GPC with a strong foundation that will enable the company to unlock further operational performance and shareholder value.”
Stengel, who has led GPC since June 2024, highlighted the benefits of a single‑person leadership structure. “I am humbled to take on the chairmanship,” he said. “This alignment will accelerate decision‑making and reinforce our focus on profitable growth.”
The board’s decision reflects confidence in Stengel’s track record of driving margin expansion and executing strategic initiatives. Analysts noted that the combined CEO/Chair role is expected to streamline governance and reduce potential conflicts between executive management and the board. While the announcement did not include new financial guidance, the company’s recent performance—strong revenue growth in its automotive and industrial segments—supports the board’s view that unified leadership will sustain momentum.
Market reaction to the announcement was positive, with analysts upgrading their outlooks and raising price targets. The move was seen as a signal that GPC’s leadership is committed to maintaining its competitive edge in a market where operational efficiency and technology adoption are critical for long‑term success.
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