Motion’s parent company announced Wednesday that its top executive will lead the distribution business as it becomes a standalone company for the first time in decades.
Will Stengel, the chairman and CEO of Genuine Parts Company since 2024, will serve in the same role at Motion as it splits off from GPC, company officials said. Stengel held executive position at HD Supply and the Home Depot before joining GPC in 2019.
Motion President James Howe, meanwhile, has been promoted to president and chief operating officer; he will continue to lead Motion’s day-to-day operations and strategy.
The company named Ball Corp. Executive Vice President and CFO Howard Yu to the same role at Motion, while Motion IT and Procurement Senior Vice President Kevin Stone and Senior Vice President of People Billy Hamilton were named the standalone company’s chief information officer and chief human resources officer, respectively.
GPC added that its board of directors is “in active discussions” with candidates to serve on Motion’s new board, which will be unveiled “at the appropriate time, effective upon the separation.”
Motion plans to hold an investor day event on Dec. 9 to provide details on the business and its “go-forward strategies for growth, focused investment and long-term value creation initiatives.”
GPC announced plans to split up its automotive and industrial supply businesses in February. GPC, as a standalone auto supply business, will be led by former TricorBraun CEO and Grainger executive Court Carruthers, who joined GPC’s board last year as part of a settlement with activist investor Elliott Investment Management.
"The board undertook a thoughtful and deliberate process to identify the right leaders for GPC and Motion's next chapters," Russ Hardin, lead director of Genuine Parts Company, said in a statement. "We have great confidence in Will Stengel and Court Carruthers and believe their leadership and relevant expertise, supported by strong management teams and board leadership, positions both companies to pursue their distinct strategies, accelerate growth and create long-term shareholder value."
