AAPA makes executive staff changes

The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance has announced significant changes in roles and responsibilities of two key members of its staff.

Effectively immediately Jon Owens will dedicate 100% of his time and effort to managing, developing and growing the Group’s multi-location service retailer business.

Owens joined the Alliance in early 2010 after being previously employed by Auto 7, Babcox Publishing and Timken as vice president of sales and market development. In that role much of his time was allocated to managing the Alliance’s branded independent service center program (Certified Service Center).

“By making service chain accounts Jon’s sole responsibility, we have focused the talents of one of our top executives’ on this critical market segment,” said John R. Washbish, president and CEO of AAPA. “The complex customer requirements and rate of growth in the service retail category demand a higher level of expertise and resource alignment than anything we’ve seen heretofore. Marketing, sales, IT and all group members will have to work in concert to meet customer expectations. Jon’s knowledge of the Alliance, years of experience, perspective and intimate market knowledge make him the right man for this job.”

Picking up responsibilities for the Certified Service Center program is Daniel Moroles, sales and marketing development manager. He will be charged with bolstering and expanding the program that is designed to support independent service centers.

Daniel Moroles joined the Alliance in early 2011 in his current position. He grew up in a family-owned auto parts store involved in every aspect of the business. After graduating college, he was employed in a variety of sales and management positions with Triad (Epicor) and Carquest.

“The Certified Service Center program is one of the core elements of our overall marketing effort,” said Washbish. “It is our longest-standing and most important customer relationship management program. Having worked closely with service centers over the years Daniel has garnered frontline knowledge and a depth of understanding that only comes with experience.  He is uniquely qualified to pick up on the good work Jon Owens has done.”