Advance Auto Parts has appointed retail veteran Richard “Dick” A. Johnson as an independent director, adding a former Foot Locker chief executive with decades of store-operations leadership to the automotive aftermarket chain’s board.
Board Chair Gene Lee said Johnson’s nearly 30 years in retail leadership and experience driving customer-focused operations would be an asset as the company works to improve performance and execute its strategy.
Advance President and CEO Shane O’Kelly said the company’s plan centers on strengthening its position as a consistent and reliable parts provider for both professional installers and do-it-yourself customers, and that Johnson’s background in retail operations and customer service will support those initiatives.
Johnson most recently led Foot Locker as CEO and president from 2014 through September 2022, and served as chairman from 2016 through January 2023. He also held multiple senior roles during his long tenure at the company, including executive vice president and chief operating officer, and executive vice president/group president for retail stores.
Johnson currently serves as chairman of H&R Block and sits on the boards of Build-A-Bear Workshop and Graebel Companies. He also serves on the National Leadership Council at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, and previously held director roles with industry organizations, including the Retail Industry Leaders Association.
Advance Auto Parts is a North American automotive aftermarket parts provider serving professional installers and DIY customers. As of October 4, 2025, the company operated 4,297 stores primarily in the U.S., with additional locations in Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and supported 814 independently owned Carquest-branded stores across those markets as well as Mexico and parts of the Caribbean.
KEY QUOTES:
“Dick’s nearly 30 years of expertise in retail and decades of proven leadership make him an exceptional addition to the Advance board. On behalf of the entire board of directors, I am pleased to welcome him, and we look forward to his contributions as we continue driving Advance toward greater success.”
Gene Lee, chair of the board
“Our strategic plan is built on initiatives designed to strengthen our position in the market as a consistent and reliable provider of auto parts for our customers. As we move forward on executing our strategic initiatives, the Advance team will greatly benefit from Dick’s knowledge of retail operations and customer service.”
Shane O’Kelly, president and chief executive officer
“Advance has a distinguished 94-year legacy, with strong brand recognition and it operates in a thriving industry supported by solid fundamental drivers. I look forward to working with the board to oversee the execution of Advance’s strategic plan.”
Richard “Dick” A. Johnson, independent director
