Item 1. Business
Item 1. Business
Introduction
AutoZone, Inc. (“AutoZone,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”) is the leading retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the Americas. We began operations in 1979 and at August 26, 2023, operated 6,300 stores in the United States (“U.S.”), 740 stores in Mexico and 100 stores in Brazil. Each store carries an extensive product line for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light duty trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories and non-automotive products. At August 26, 2023, in 5,682 of our domestic stores as well as the vast majority of our stores in Mexico and Brazil, we had a commercial sales program that provided commercial credit and prompt delivery of parts and other products to local, regional and national repair garages, dealers, service stations, fleet owners and other accounts. We also sell automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories and non-automotive products through www.autozone.com, and our commercial customers can make purchases through www.autozonepro.com. Additionally, we sell the ALLDATA brand of automotive diagnostic, repair, collision and shop management software through www.alldata.com. We also provide product information on our Duralast branded products through www.duralastparts.com. We do not derive revenue from automotive repair or installation services.
Human Capital Resources
We believe the foundation of our success is our culture, which is rooted in our Pledge and Values and defines how our employees (“AutoZoners”) take care of customers and fellow AutoZoners. Each AutoZoner works hard to Live the Pledge, share their passion for WOW! Customer Service and Go the Extra Mile every day to continue building and growing AutoZone for our customers.
We seek to be the employer of choice as we compete for talent in our retail stores, field supervision, distribution centers, and store support functions. We focus heavily on retention by offering competitive compensation and benefits packages, extensive training and development opportunities and leveraging our business resource groups to support AutoZoners across the organization contribute their voices, time, and talent to helping other AutoZoners succeed in their careers.
As of August 26, 2023, we employed approximately 119,000 AutoZoners, approximately 60 percent of whom were employed full-time and the remaining 40 percent were employed part-time. About 91 percent of our AutoZoners were employed in stores or in direct field supervision, approximately 6 percent in distribution centers and approximately 3 percent in store support and other functions. Included in the above numbers are approximately 15,500 AutoZoners employed in our international operations. We have never experienced any material labor disruption, do not have any collective bargaining agreements and believe that relations with our AutoZoners are good.
Training & Development
We have a number of different types of jobs and career opportunities. While many of our AutoZoners follow more traditional career paths (e.g., part-time to full-time sales, store manager, district manager, regional manager, vice president), we encourage cross-functional development and support of AutoZoners as they expand their career into other departments and fields of interest within the Company. Many members of our senior leadership team have held positions in multiple areas of the business. We also invest in advanced leadership training in order to deepen our bench strength and support succession planning. For additional information, see “Store Operations—Store Personnel Training and Incentives” below. We believe these opportunities are important to attract, motivate and retain high quality AutoZoners.
Recognition
The AutoZone Pledge and Values drive our success and foster a strong, unique culture of teamwork and customer service. We encourage the recognition of AutoZoners for a variety of accomplishments, such as going above and
4
Table of Contents
beyond to deliver Trustworthy Advice and WOW! Customer Service, taking initiative to prevent incidents and injuries, making contributions to help detect or report internal or external theft or providing significant service to help others. Whether they work in our stores, distribution centers, support centers or travel to support our customers and business, we believe AutoZoners everywhere should be recognized for their efforts and outstanding performance. We also recognize AutoZoners for their years of service to the organization and our customers.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“DEI”)
“Embraces Diversity” is one of our Values, and we have made great strides in our DEI initiatives. With the oversight and support of a cross-functional Diversity Council and DEI Steering Committee, our DEI efforts influence and inform many parts of our human capital management efforts including talent acquisition, retention, professional development and workforce management. Our first business resource group (“BRG”) was established in 2014 (AutoZone Women’s Initiative). Since then, five other BRGs now exist to help AutoZoners across the organization grow and succeed in their careers.
Health and Safety
We are committed to providing a safe working and shopping environment for our AutoZoners and customers. Aligned with our values, we strive to continually monitor our working and shopping environment to keep our AutoZoners and customers as safe as possible.
Additional information about our human capital resources can be found in our most recent Environmental, Social & Governance (“ESG”) Report, which is available on our website. Our ESG Report is not, and will not be deemed to be, a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated by reference into this or any of our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“the SEC”).
5
Table of Contents
Store Operations
At August 26, 2023 our stores were in the following locations:
Store
Count
Alabama
123
Alaska
8
Arizona
165
Arkansas
73
California
658
Colorado
102
Connecticut
58
Delaware
20
Florida
430
Georgia
214
Hawaii
12
Idaho
33
Illinois
248
Indiana
164
Iowa
37
Kansas
55
Kentucky
105
Louisiana
132
Maine
14
Maryland
93
Massachusetts
88
Michigan
221
Minnesota
63
Mississippi
98
Missouri
122
Montana
15
Nebraska
25
Nevada
70
New Hampshire
23
New Jersey
124
New Mexico
64
New York
212
North Carolina
241
North Dakota
7
Ohio
288
Oklahoma
87
Oregon
57
Pennsylvania
228
Puerto Rico
51
Rhode Island
17
Saint Thomas
1
South Carolina
107
South Dakota
9
Tennessee
183
Texas
693
Utah
70
Vermont
2
Virginia
153
Washington
100
Washington, DC
5
West Virginia
45
Wisconsin
78
Wyoming
9
Total Domestic stores
6,300
Mexico
740
Brazil
100
Total stores
7,140
6
Table of Contents
Store Formats
Substantially all stores are based on standard store formats, resulting in generally consistent appearance, merchandising and product mix. Approximately 90% to 99% of each store’s square footage is selling space. In our satellite stores, approximately 40% to 50% of our space is dedicated to hard parts inventory, while our hub and mega hub stores have 70% to 85% of their space utilized for hard parts. The hard parts inventory area is generally fronted by counters or pods that run the depth or length of the store, dividing the hard parts area from the remainder of the store. The remaining selling space contains displays of maintenance, accessories and non-automotive items.
Store Personnel Training and Incentives
We provide on-the-job training as well as formal training programs, including an annual national sales meeting with related cascading meetings at our distribution centers, regional offices and stores; store meetings on specific sales and product topics; standardized computer-based training to support culture, safety, salesmanship, compliance and product and job knowledge; and several specialist, vendor and third-party programs to support learning and development in areas requiring technical expertise and specific job knowledge. All domestic AutoZoners are encouraged to complete our in-house product knowledge program and Parts Expert certification, which is developed in partnership with our key suppliers. Training is supplemented with frequent store visits by management. Additionally, store managers, commercial sales managers and managers at various levels across the organization receive financial incentives through performance-based bonuses.
Store Support Centers
All store support functions are centralized in our store support centers located in Memphis, Tennessee; Monterrey, Mexico; Chihuahua, Mexico and Sao Paulo, Brazil. We believe that this centralization enhances consistent execution of our merchandising and marketing strategies at the store level, while reducing expenses and cost of sales. In addition, we have offices in Shanghai, China and Haryana, India that provide sourcing, technology or other support functions.
Store Automation
All of our stores have Z-net, our proprietary electronic catalog that enables our AutoZoners to efficiently look up the parts that our customers need and provide complete job solutions, advice and information for customer vehicles. Z-net provides parts information based on year, make, model and engine type of a vehicle and also tracks inventory availability at the store, at other nearby stores and through special order. The Z-net display screens are placed on the hard parts counter or pods, where both the AutoZoner and customer can view the screen.
Our stores utilize our computerized proprietary Point-of-Sale System, which includes bar code scanning and point-of-sale data collection terminals. Our proprietary Store Management System provides administrative assistance, as well as enhanced merchandising information and improved inventory control. We believe the Point-of-Sale System also enhances customer service, while the Store Management System provides simplified warranty and product return procedures.
Commercial
Our commercial sales program operates in a highly fragmented market, and we are a leading distributor of automotive parts and other products to local, regional and national repair garages, dealers, service stations, fleet owners and other accounts in the Americas. As part of our program, we offer credit and delivery to our customers, as well as online ordering through www.autozonepro.com or through the AutoZone Pro smartphone application. Through our hub and mega hub stores, we offer a greater range than our satellite stores of parts and products desired by professional technicians. We have dedicated sales teams focused on independent repair shops as well as national, regional and fleet commercial accounts.
7
Table of Contents
Store Development
The following table reflects our store development during the past five fiscal years:
Fiscal Year
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Stores:
Beginning
6,943
6,767
6,549
6,411
6,202
New
198
177
219
138
209
Closed
1
1
1
—
—
Net new
197
176
218
138
209
Relocated
12
13
12
5
2
Ending
7,140
6,943
6,767
6,549
6,411
We believe expansion opportunities exist in markets we do not currently serve, as well as in markets where we can achieve a larger presence. We undertake substantial research prior to entering new markets. The most important criteria for opening a new store are the projected future profitability and the ability to achieve our required investment hurdle rate. Key factors in selecting new site and market locations for stores include population, demographics, vehicle profile, customer buying trends, commercial businesses, number and strength of competitors’ stores and the cost of real estate. In reviewing the vehicle profile, we also consider the number of vehicles that are seven years old and older, or “our kind of vehicles”; these vehicles are generally no longer under the original manufacturers’ warranties and require more maintenance and repair than newer vehicles. We seek to open new stores in high visibility sites in high traffic locations within or contiguous to existing market areas and attempt to cluster development in markets in a relatively short period of time. We believe our stores are “destination stores,” generating their own traffic, therefore we situate most stores on major thoroughfares with easy access and good parking. In addition to continuing to lease or develop our own locations, we evaluate and may make strategic acquisitions.
Marketing and Merchandising Strategy
We are dedicated to providing customers with superior service and trustworthy advice as well as quality automotive parts and products at a great value in conveniently located, well-designed stores. Key elements of this strategy are:
Customer Service
Customer service is the most important element in our marketing and merchandising strategy, which is based upon consumer marketing research. We emphasize that our AutoZoners should always put customers first by providing prompt, courteous service and trustworthy advice. Our electronic parts catalog assists in the selection of parts as well as identifying any associated warranties offered by us or our vendors. In addition to our in-store offerings, we sell automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories and non-automotive parts through www.autozone.com, for pick-up in store or to be shipped directly to a customer’s home or business, with next day or same day delivery programs in most of our U.S. markets. Additionally, we offer a smartphone application that provides customers with store locations, driving directions, operating hours, product availability, the ability to purchase products and other information.
We also provide specialty tools through our suite of free services. Through our Loan-A-Tool program customers can borrow a specialty tool, such as a steering wheel puller, for which a do-it-yourself (“DIY”) customer or a repair shop would have little or no use other than for a single job. AutoZoners also provide free diagnostic and related services, including check engine and anti-lock braking system light readings through our AutoZone Fix Finder service, testing of starters, alternators and batteries, battery charging and the collection of used oil for recycling.
8
Table of Contents
Merchandising
The following tables show some of the types of products we sell by major category of items:
Failure
Maintenance
Discretionary
A/C Compressors
Batteries & Accessories
Bearings
Belts & Hoses
Calipers
Chassis
Clutches
CV Axles
Engines
Fuel Pumps
Fuses
Ignition
Lighting
Mufflers
Radiators
Starters & Alternators
Thermostats
Tire Repair
Water Pumps
Antifreeze & Windshield Washer Fluid
Brake Drums, Rotors, Shoes & Pads
Chemicals, including Brake & Power
Steering Fluid, Oil & Fuel Additives
Oil & Transmission Fluid
Oil, Cabin, Air, Fuel & Transmission
Filters
Oxygen Sensors
Paint & Accessories
Refrigerant & Accessories
Shock Absorbers & Struts
Spark Plugs & Wires
Windshield Wipers
Air Fresheners
Cell Phone Accessories
Drinks & Snacks
Floor Mats & Seat Covers
Interior & Exterior Accessories
Mirrors
Performance Products
Protectants & Cleaners
Sealants & Adhesives
Steering Wheel Covers
Tools
Towing
Vehicle Entertainment Systems
Wash & Wax
We believe customer satisfaction is often impacted by our ability to promptly provide specific automotive products as requested. Each store carries the same basic products, but we tailor our hard parts inventory to the makes and models of the vehicles in each store’s trade area, and our sales floor products are tailored to the local store’s demographics. Our hub stores (including mega hubs, which carry an even broader assortment) carry a larger assortment of products that are delivered to local satellite stores. We are continuously updating the products we offer to ensure our inventory matches the products our customers need or desire.
Pricing
We want to be the value leader in our industry, by consistently providing quality merchandise at the right price, backed by a satisfactory warranty and outstanding customer service. For many of our products, we offer multiple value choices in a good/better/best assortment, with appropriate price and quality differences from the “good” products to the “better” and “best” products. A key differentiating component versus our competitors is our exclusive line of in-house brands, which includes Duralast and the family of Duralast brands, ProElite, ShopPro, SureBilt, TotalPro, TruGrade and Valucraft. We believe that our overall value compares favorably to that of our competitors.
Brand Marketing: Marketing and Loyalty
We believe that targeted advertising and promotions play important roles in succeeding in today’s environment. We are constantly working to understand our customers’ wants and needs so we can build long-lasting, loyal relationships. We utilize advertising, direct marketing, loyalty programs and promotions primarily to highlight our great value, the availability of high quality parts and develop a relationship with an expanding base of customers. Digital and broadcast media are our primary advertising methods of driving retail traffic, while we leverage a dedicated sales force and our ProVantage loyalty program to drive commercial sales.
Store Design, Visual Merchandising and Promotional Execution
We design and build stores for high visual impact. The typical store utilizes colorful exterior and interior signage, exposed beams and ductwork, finished floors and brightly lit interiors. Batteries, maintenance products, accessories and non-automotive items are attractively displayed for easy browsing by customers. In-store signage and special displays promote products on floor displays, end caps and shelves. We utilize in-store signage, creative product placement and promotions to help educate customers about products that they may need.
9
Table of Contents
Purchasing and Supply Chain
Merchandise is selected and purchased for all stores through our store support centers located in Memphis, Tennessee; Monterrey, Mexico and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Additionally, we have offices in Shanghai, China, Haryana, India and Istanbul, Turkey to support our global sourcing efforts. In fiscal 2023, one class of similar products accounted for approximately 14 percent of our total revenues. No other class of similar products accounted for 10 percent or more of our total revenues, and no individual vendor provided more than 10 percent of our total purchases. We believe alternative sources of supply exist, at similar costs, for most types of product sold. Most of our merchandise flows through our distribution centers to our stores by our fleet of tractors and trailers or by third-party transportation firms. The distribution centers replenish our stores up to multiple times per week depending on store sales volumes.
We ended fiscal 2023 with 308 domestic and 39 international hub stores, which have a larger assortment of products as well as regular replenishment items that can be delivered to a store in its network within 24 hours. Hub stores are generally replenished from distribution centers multiple times per week. Hub stores have increased our ability to distribute products on a timely basis to many of our stores and to expand our product assortment.
As a subset of our domestic hub stores, we ended fiscal 2023 with 98 mega hubs, an increase of 20 since the end of fiscal 2022. Additionally, we have two mega hubs in Mexico. Mega hubs work in concert with other hubs to drive customer satisfaction through improved local parts availability and expanded product assortments. A mega hub carries inventory of 80,000 to 110,000 unique SKUs, approximately twice what a hub store carries. Mega hubs provide coverage to both surrounding stores and other hub stores multiple times a day or on an overnight basis. Currently, we have over 6,000 domestic stores with access to mega hub inventory. A majority of these stores currently receive mega hub service same day.
Competition
The sale of automotive parts, accessories and maintenance items is highly competitive due to numerous factors, including name recognition, product availability, customer service, store location and price. AutoZone competes in the aftermarket auto parts industry, which includes both the retail DIY and commercial do-it-for-me (“DIFM”) auto parts and products markets.
Our competitors include national, regional and local auto parts chains, independently owned parts stores, online automotive parts stores or marketplaces, wholesale distributors, jobbers, repair shops, car washes and auto dealers, in addition to discount and mass merchandise stores, hardware stores, supermarkets, drugstores, convenience stores, home stores and other retailers that sell aftermarket vehicle parts and supplies, chemicals, accessories and tools. AutoZone competes on the basis of customer service, including the knowledge and expertise of our AutoZoners and our ability to provide prompt delivery to commercial customers; merchandise quality, selection and availability; product warranty; store layouts, location and convenience; price; and the strength of our AutoZone brand name, trademarks and service marks.
Government Relations
We are subject to numerous federal, state, and local laws and regulations, many of which are complex, frequently changing and subject to varying interpretations. These laws and regulations relate to, among other things, the marketing and sale of products; proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials, particularly in connection with our used oil, oil filter and battery recycling programs; occupational health and safety; environmental matters; labor and employment; employee wages and benefits; information security and data privacy; real property; financial reporting and disclosure; antitrust and fair competition; international trade and transportation, logistics and delivery operations.
10
Table of Contents
While compliance with the numerous laws and regulations applicable to our business, including environmental regulations, has not had a material adverse effect on capital expenditures, earnings or our competitive position to date, we can make no assurances as to the future costs of compliance. For more information, see the Risk Factors titled “Legal and Regulatory Risks” and “Information Technology, Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Risks” in “Part I. Item 1A, Risk Factors” in this report.
Trademarks and Patents
We regard our trademarks, service marks, patents, domain names, trade dress, trade secrets and other intellectual property as critical to our success and important components of our marketing and merchandising strategies. We have registered several trademarks and service marks in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as well as in certain other countries, including without limitation: “AutoZone,” “Get in the Zone,” “Duralast,” “Econocraft,” “ProElite,” “ShopPro,” “SureBilt,” “TotalPro,” “TruGrade,” “Valucraft,” and “ALLDATA,” along with variations of these trademarks. Our trademark registrations have various expiration dates; however, assuming that the trademarks are properly maintained and in use, such registrations may typically be renewed indefinitely.
Seasonality
Our business is somewhat seasonal in nature, with the highest sales typically occurring in the spring and summer months of February through September, and the lowest sales in the months of December and January. During short periods of time, a store’s sales can be affected by weather conditions. Extremely hot or extremely cold weather may enhance sales by causing parts to fail; thereby increasing sales of seasonal products. Mild or rainy weather tends to soften sales, as parts failure rates are lower in mild weather and elective maintenance is deferred during periods of rainy weather. Over the longer term, we believe the effects of weather balance out, as we have stores throughout the Americas.
AutoZone Websites
Our primary website is www.autozone.com. We make available, free of charge, at www.autozone.com, by clicking “Investor Relations” located at the bottom of the page, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, registration statements and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably feasible after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Our websites and the information contained therein or linked thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Information about our Executive Officers
The following list describes our executive officers, which are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The title of each executive officer includes the words “Customer Satisfaction” which reflects our commitment to customer service.
William C. Rhodes, III, 58—Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Customer Satisfaction
William C. Rhodes, III has served as AutoZone’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and a director since 2005 and was named Chairman in 2007. Prior to his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rhodes served in various capacities within the Company since 1994. Prior to 1994, Mr. Rhodes was a manager with Ernst & Young LLP. As previously announced, Mr. Rhodes has notified the Board of his intention to relinquish his roles as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2024, and the Board intends to appoint Mr. Rhodes to the role of Executive Chairman at such time.
Philip B. Daniele III, 54—CEO-Elect, Customer Satisfaction
Philip B. Daniele III was named CEO-Elect in June 2023. Previously Mr. Daniele had served as Executive Vice President – Merchandising, Marketing and Supply Chain from June 2021 to September 2023. The Board of Directors intends to appoint Mr. Daniele to the role of Chief Executive Officer and also appoint him to serve on the
11
Table of Contents
Board in January 2024. Previously, Mr. Daniele served as Senior Vice President – Commercial from 2015 to 2021, Vice President – Commercial Support from 2013 to 2015 and Vice President – Merchandising from 2008 to 2013. Mr. Daniele was also a Divisional Vice President – Store Operations from 2005 to 2008. Prior to 2005, Mr. Daniele held several other key management positions with the Company.
Jamere Jackson, 54—Chief Financial Officer, Customer Satisfaction
Jamere Jackson was named Chief Financial Officer in January 2021 and, in that capacity, leads the Finance and Store Development teams. Mr. Jackson also held the title of Executive Vice President from January 2021 until his promotion in September 2023. Prior to joining AutoZone, Mr. Jackson served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., a worldwide rental company, since 2018. From 2014 to 2018, Mr. Jackson served as Chief Financial Officer of Nielsen Holdings plc, an information, data and measurement company. Prior to 2014, Mr. Jackson held a variety of leadership roles at General Electric Company, including Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of a division of General Electric Oil and Gas. Mr. Jackson serves on the Board of Directors for Eli Lilly & Co.
Thomas B. Newbern, 61—Chief Operating Officer, Customer Satisfaction
Thomas B. Newbern was named Chief Operating Officer in September 2023. Since March 2023, Mr. Newbern served as Executive Vice President Operations, Sales and Technology. From 2015 to March 2023, Mr. Newbern served as Executive Vice President overseeing Store Operations, Commercial, International, Information Technology, Loss Prevention and ALLDATA in different capacities. From 2007 to 2015, Mr. Newbern served as Senior Vice President overseeing Store Operations and Commercial. From 1998 to 2007, Mr. Newbern was Divisional Vice President – Store Operations. Mr. Newbern began his career with AutoZone in 1985.
William R. Hackney, 58—Executive Vice President – Merchandising, Marketing and Supply Chain, Customer Satisfaction
William R. Hackney was named Executive Vice President – Merchandising, Marketing and Supply Chain in September 2023. Previously, Mr. Hackney served as Senior Vice President, Merchandising, since rejoining the Company in October 2022 after a brief retirement. Mr. Hackney’s career with AutoZone began in 1983, and he has held several key management roles within the Company, including Senior Vice President, Merchandising, Vice President, Store Operations Support and Vice President, Merchandising.
Jennifer M. Bedsole, 52—Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, Customer Satisfaction
Jenna M. Bedsole was named Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary in April 2023. Prior to joining AutoZone, Ms. Bedsole was a partner with the law firm of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell and Berkowitz P.C. since 2011, where she chaired the Labor and Employment practice group.
K. Michelle Borninkhof, 49 — Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Customer Satisfaction
K. Michelle Borninkhof was named Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer in April 2021. Prior to that, Ms. Borninkhof was Chief Information Officer and Vice President for U.S. Technology at McDonald’s since 2018. Prior to joining McDonald’s, Ms. Borninkhof spent 11 years with Walmart Stores holding various leadership roles including Vice President – International Technology Delivery. Throughout her career, Ms. Borninkhof held various roles in store retail, distribution center operations and process improvement.
Preston B. Frazer, 47—Senior Vice President – Finance, Store Development and Strategy, Customer Satisfaction
Preston B. Frazer was named Senior Vice President Finance, Store Development and Strategy in March 2023. From 2021 to 2023 Mr. Frazer served as Executive Vice President – Store Operations, Commercial and Loss Prevention. From 2019 to 2021 Mr. Frazer served as Senior Vice President – Store Operations. Prior to that, Mr. Frazer was Vice President – Store Operations Support. Mr. Frazer began his career with AutoZone in 2006 in Finance and has held several key functional roles. Prior to joining AutoZone, Mr. Frazer was a senior manager with the accounting firm of KPMG, LLP.
Eric S. Gould, 54—Senior Vice President – Supply Chain, Customer Satisfaction
Eric S. Gould was named Senior Vice President, Supply Chain in February 2021. From 2017 to 2021, Mr. Gould served as Vice President, Supply Chain Replenishment. Prior to that, Mr. Gould held several key management
12
Table of Contents
positions with the Company, including Vice President of Commercial, Commercial Support and Merchandising Pricing & Analysis.
Domingo J. Hurtado, 62—Senior Vice President – International, Customer Satisfaction
Domingo J. Hurtado Rodríguez was named Senior Vice President – International in September 2018. Prior to that, Mr. Hurtado was President – AutoZone de México. Mr. Hurtado has served in various capacities within the Company since 2001, which included leading the Company’s expansion in Mexico. Prior to 2001, Mr. Hurtado held different positions with RadioShack including Director General in Mexico and General Manager in Venezuela.
Dennis W. LeRiche, 55—Senior Vice President – Store Operations, Customer Satisfaction
Dennis W. LeRiche was named Senior Vice President – Store Operations in June 2021. From 2015 to 2021, Mr. LeRiche was a Divisional Vice President – Store Operations. Prior to 2015, Mr. LeRiche held several other key management positions with the Company.
Grant E. McGee, 61—Senior Vice President – Commercial, Customer Satisfaction
Grant E. McGee was named Senior Vice President – Commercial in June 2021 and has notified the Company of his intent to retire, effective around the end of the 2023 calendar year. From 2007 to 2021, Mr. McGee was a Divisional Vice President – Store Operations. From 2004 to 2007, Mr. McGee was Vice President – Commercial. Prior to 2004, Mr. McGee held several other key positions with the Company.
Charlie Pleas, III, 58— Senior Vice President – Accounting and Finance, Customer Satisfaction
Charlie Pleas, III, became Senior Vice President, Finance and Accounting in December 2021 and has notified the Company of his intent to retire, effective around the end of the 2023 calendar year. Mr. Pleas was named Senior Vice President and Controller during 2007. Prior to that, Mr. Pleas held several key management positions within the Company’s accounting department. Prior to joining AutoZone, Mr. Pleas was a Division Controller with Fleming Companies, Inc. where he served in various capacities during his tenure from 1988 to 1996. Prior to 1988, Mr. Pleas worked with Ernst & Young. Mr. Pleas is a member of the Board of Directors for Kirkland’s Inc.
Albert Saltiel, 59—Senior Vice President – Marketing and E-Commerce, Customer Satisfaction
Albert Saltiel was named Senior Vice President – Marketing and E-Commerce during October 2014 and has notified the Company of his intent to retire, effective around the end of the 2023 calendar year. Previously, Mr. Saltiel was Senior Vice President – Marketing since 2013. Prior to that, Mr. Saltiel was Chief Marketing Officer and a key member of the leadership team at Navistar International Corporation. Mr. Saltiel has also been with Sony Electronics as General Manager, Marketing, and Ford Motor Company where he held multiple marketing roles.
Richard C. Smith, 59—Senior Vice President – Human Resources, Customer Satisfaction
Richard C. Smith was named Senior Vice President – Human Resources in December 2015. Mr. Smith has been an AutoZoner since 1985, previously holding the position of Divisional Vice President – Store Operations since 1997. Prior thereto, Mr. Smith served in various key positions within the Company.
13
Table of Contents