AutoZone invests in marketing talent

Albert Saltiel has joined AutoZone, the nation’s largest automotive retailer, as SVP of marketing and customer satisfaction.

Saltiel will report directly to AutoZone chairman, president and CEO Bill Rhodes.

"Al has spent many years working in both business to business and business to consumer environments," said Rhodes. "His experiences at Navistar, Sony and Ford are well suited for this position and we are excited to welcome Al to AutoZone."

Saltiel previously served as chief marketing officer at Navistar International Corporation and also held marketing roles at Sony Electronics and Ford Motor Company.

He joins the company following a disappointing 1.8% decline in second quarter sales for the period ended February 9. Profits increased 5.6% to $176 million and earnings per share increased 15.1% to $4.78. The sales weakness was blamed on delayed tax refunds which caused a sales decline during the last few weeks of the quarter.

AutoZone operates 5,070 stores consisting of 4,735 stores in 49 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 334 stores in Mexico and one store in Brazil.