PartsAmerica.com Executive Team Combines Balanced Internet, Retail and Automotive Expertise to Implement Profitable E-Commerce Business Model
30 November 2000
PartsAmerica.com Executive Team Combines Balanced Internet, Retail and Automotive Expertise to Implement Profitable E-Commerce Business Model
LOS ANGELES--Nov. 30, 2000--PartsAmerica.com (www.partsamerica.com), the independent e-commerce company created by a partnership between CSK Auto Inc. and Advance Auto Parts, Thursday announced an executive management team that combines a balance of proven leadership and expertise in automotive, Internet and retail markets.This team, comprised of leaders from emerging technology companies and retail chains, includes CEO Brian McDermott, Executive Vice President of Business Development and B2B Thomas Petit, Chief Financial Officer Abe Mirza, Vice President of Marketing John Morel, Vice President of Operations Michael Donohoe and Vice President of Technology David Waxberg.
"Unlike so many Internet start-ups, we have espoused the long view," said McDermott. "We are simply applying the proven leadership, sound business techniques and solid business management of a successful retail business and serving it up on the Internet to improve the auto parts buying process."
McDermott brings more than 15 years experience in successful business leadership to his new role at PartsAmerica.com. As president, CEO and chairman of Leslie's Poolmart Inc., he transformed a classic entrepreneurial organization into a category-dominant national retail company.
McDermott also spent time as a venture capital professional and performed investment, acquisition and operating restructuring duties for public and private companies.
Petit brings 22 years of Internet start-up experience to PartsAmerica.com. He was a co-founder of Sega Enterprises U.S.A. Inc. where he positioned the company as the dominant leader in commercial interactive entertainment. Most recently, Petit worked as a senior executive for eCompanies, an Internet/wireless incubator, whose initial company eParties was purchased by eToys.
Mirza brings Internet and brick-and-mortar retail experience to PartsAmerica.com. Mirza spent five years as corporate vice president of accounting and chief financial officer for Smart and Final Inc.'s food service division. He has also provided high-level financial consulting to BeeLineShopper.com, where he worked with potential investors to raise capital for Internet start-ups.
Morel has extensive experience in the automotive and Internet industries. Morel worked at UBuildIt.com as the vice president and general manager of Internet operations, where he led the company's Internet initiatives and played a key role in corporate strategy.
He led the marketing strategy group at Starwave Corp. (later the Walt Disney Internet Group) developing new Internet measurement methods and spent nine years in product development and marketing at Mazda.
Donohoe oversees all customer service and fulfillment operations. Donohoe was a manager at Bain & Co. Inc., where he consulted on client issues such as growth and corporate strategy, operations improvements and auto aftermarket capabilities development.
Waxberg drives the design and implementation of the PartsAmerica.com Web site. Waxberg previously worked at Integrated Information Systems as a solutions architect, where he created the e-business consulting group to work with various clients to analyze and establish their business processes, system architectures and internal structures to support e-business initiatives.
About PartsAmerica.com
PartsAmerica.com provides immediate access to more than 1 million auto parts with convenient in-store pick-up, guaranteed and highly responsive shipping capabilities and return options through 2,800 established stores nationwide. They also give expert car care advice to consumers who want to repair, maintain and restore their vehicles.
The company will soon offer dedicated same-day delivery from all stores. The PartsAmerica.com team includes exclusive partnerships with Advance Auto Parts, Checker Auto Parts, Schuck's Auto Supply and Kragen Auto Parts Stores.