Advance Auto names head of Midwest store ops

ROANOKE, Va. — Advance Auto Parts has announced the promotion of Markus Hockenson to SVP store operations effective April 1. Hockenson will be responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership to the company’s Midwestern operations, which includes more than 1,200 stores. Hockenson will report to Carl Hauch, SVP national operations and will be based in Denver, Colorado.

“Markus has a true passion for the foundational elements of our business which includes our commitment to service and our Values. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge leading retail and commercial sales and operations. We look forward to Markus’ leadership in 2012 and beyond as we focus on accelerating the growth of our Commercial and DIY businesses,” said Hauch.

Hockenson joined Advance in September 2008 as regional VP. Prior to joining Advance, Hockenson served with Starbucks where he most recently had region-wide responsibility for project management of key company programs and held several other positions including District Manager. Prior to Starbucks, he held multiple positions at Enterprise Rent-A-Car including regional operations director and district manager. He also served as group operations city manager at Enterprise where he held full operational responsibility and established the first company presence in the United Kingdom.