ChoiceParts Appoints Michael J. Badar as Chief Marketing Officer
CHICAGO--Aug. 2, 2000--ChoiceParts, the professional's auto parts network, announced today that it has named Michael J. Badar, former vice president of operations for CarsDirect.com, to the position of chief marketing officer. ChoiceParts, founded via partnership among the Dealer Services and Claims Solutions Groups of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. , CCC Information Services Inc. , and The Reynolds and Reynolds Company , will soon introduce automotive retailers and collision repair facilities to an integrated, virtual service parts exchange to serve the multi-billion dollar market for auto repair parts.
According to Chan W. Galbato, CEO of ChoiceParts, the company is quickly building on its foundation as the leading parts locating service used by dealership parts departments. ChoiceParts has an existing base of over 7,500 customers who are currently using parts locator systems provided originally by two of the company's founders, Reynolds and Reynolds and ADP. In addition, ChoiceParts is successfully piloting its new, integrated online solution in the Dayton, Ohio area.
"We've made tremendous progress in a short time building the technical solutions ChoiceParts and our customers require." said Galbato. "Michael's strong operational and customer marketing expertise combined with his Internet and automotive experience make him the ideal candidate to lead ChoiceParts' marketing efforts as we continue to work toward our product rollout later this year."
Badar, who cultivated nearly a decade of operations and business development experience working for GE Appliances and GE Capital Fleet Services, will initially focus on building customer relationships with ChoiceParts' existing customer base. He will also be responsible for developing and commercializing new products, forging alliances with key partners, and managing external marketing communications.
As vice president of operations for CarsDirect.com, a leading automotive e-tailer and Idealab!-backed company, Badar built the company's back-office operations and developed systems to eliminate significant operational costs. Prior to CarsDirect.com, Badar graduated from one of GE's renowned management training programs and went on to serve in several senior management positions at GE Appliances and GE Capital Fleet Services. During his tenure at GE, Badar launched a new in-home computer warranty product distributed via GE's installed base of appliance and electronics retailers. As vice president of operations, he spearheaded the development and launch of GE Capital Fleet Services' internet-based vehicle ordering system, ran several of GE's Six Sigma Quality initiatives and led operations teams in North American and international acquisitions.
Galbato said that Badar's experience in developing superior Internet-based transaction systems and his successful track record of building and maintaining winning teams, processes, systems and customer relationships will also serve ChoiceParts well as the company continues to improve its product and builds its top-rate management team.
Badar earned a master's degree in business administration from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, and a bachelor's of science degree in business administration and finance from Marquette University.
About ChoiceParts
Founded via partnership among automotive and collision industry leaders CCC Information Services Inc. , The Reynolds and Reynolds Company , and including Dealer Services and Claims Solutions Groups of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. , ChoiceParts, LLC. will offer automotive retailers and collision repair specialists an integrated, online parts solution that assures unprecedented speed, accuracy, knowledge and convenience. The integrated approach of ChoiceParts' virtual auto parts exchange will enable buyers and sellers in the parts supply chain to instantly locate and order the parts they need, helping deliver higher customer satisfaction rates across the automotive and collision repair industries. Additional information about the company is available on the Web at www.choiceparts.com