AutoZone Announces Organizational Changes

[Counterman]

AutoZone announced that Bill Hackney, executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and supply chain, and Rick Smith, senior vice president of human resources, will retire in November 2025 and January 2026, respectively. AutoZone executives said these retirements mark the end of two remarkable 40-year careers with the company.

Contributions from AutoZone Executives

AutoZone said Hackney worked tirelessly over his career to ensure the company always had the best merchandise at the right price. He drove innovation and served as a trusted partner and advocate for the industry, the company added.

The company said Smith also dedicated four decades to

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. He led multiple areas and teams and created a far-reaching impact. The company described his passion for AutoZone and its culture as special.

Leadership Reflections

“I give special thanks to Bill and Rick for their many contributions and exceptional years of service to our customers, their fellow AutoZoners, AutoZone and our industry,” said Phil Daniele, president and chief executive officer. “After working side-by-side with these two leaders for decades, words fall short in expressing what Bill and Rick have meant to AutoZone and to me personally. While we will miss them both, they have built organizations that are well-prepared to move AutoZone forward for many years to come. I wish them and their families the very best in their retirements.”

Promotions to Key Roles

Eric Gould, a 33-year veteran of the company and senior vice president of supply chain, will succeed Hackney.

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promoted him to executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and supply chain.

AutoZone also promoted Denise McCullough, a 25-year veteran and vice president of transportation, to senior vice president of supply chain.

New HR Leadership Joins

Eric Leef will succeed Smith as senior vice president of human resources. He joins AutoZone from Hertz, where he most recently served as executive vice president of human resources.

Leef has over 20 years of experience leading global HR organizations.

Executive Committee Updates

Gould, a current member of AutoZone’s Executive Committee, will continue to report to Daniele. McCullough and Leef will also join the Executive Committee.

“We are very excited to announce the promotions of Eric and Denise, and to have Eric Leef join AutoZone. Eric and Denise are both veteran AutoZoners with proven track records of success at our company. Eric Leef has extensive HR and leadership experience and will provide added depth to our talented management team,” said Daniele.

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