New CEO named at Advance Auto Parts

Eight-year Home Depot veteran and retired US Army Captain Shane O’Kelly is now in the driver’s seat at Advance Auto Parts.

O’Kelly replaces Tom Greco, who led the 4,790-store automotive aftermarket parts retailer for the last seven years and previously served as CEO of Frito-Lay North America.

O’Kelly spent more than five years as a Home Depot senior VP before being named CEO of the company’s HD Supply subsidiary that serves professionals in the maintenance, repair, and operations industry.

“I grew up in rural, upstate New York.  Given the expansive geography, one of the biggest rites of passage was getting one’s driver’s license. It was in those early days that I became a car enthusiast,” O’Kelley wrote in a LinkedIn announcement of his appointment. “It's amazing to have that passion now be part of my professional life as I join the Advance Auto Parts team.”

The 54-year-old O’Kelley brings to the job more than 30 years of strategic development and supply chain experience. Prior to joining Home Depot he did CEO stints PetroChoice, the nation's largest distributor of lubricants and lubrication solutions, and AH Harris, a specialty construction supply distributor.

“Following an extensive search over the past several months, we are confident that Shane’s robust background leading complex supply chain organizations makes him the ideal next leader for Advance,” said Gene Lee, interim executive chair of the Advance Auto Parts board. “His proven leadership and strong track record of disciplined execution across multi-unit businesses will enable him to lead Advance in the next chapter.”

Following his graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point and his military service, O’Kelley earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.