Memphis, Tenn. — AutoZone’s executive vice president, merchandising, marketing and supply chain, Bill Hackney, and its senior vice president, human resources, Rick Smith, will retire in November 2025 (Hackney) and January 2026 (Smith). Both executives have been with AutoZone for 40 years.
“I give special thanks to Bill and Rick for their many contributions and exceptional years of service to our customers, their fellow AutoZoners, AutoZone and our industry,” says Phil Daniele, president and chief executive officer. “After working side-by-side with these two leaders for decades, words fall short in expressing what Bill and Rick have meant to AutoZone and to me personally. While we will miss them both, they have built organizations that are well-prepared to move AutoZone forward for many years to come. I wish them and their families the very best in their retirements.”
Succeeding Hackney will be Eric Gould, a 33-year veteran of the company and current senior vice president, supply chain. Denise McCullough, current vice president, transportation, will step into Gould’s role. McCullough has been with AutoZone for 25 years. Eric Gould will report to Daniele.
Eric Leef will succeed Smith and join AutoZone as senior vice president, human resources. He comes to AutoZone from Hertz where he most recently served as executive vice president, human resources.
“We are very excited to announce the promotions of Eric and Denise, and to have Eric Leef join AutoZone,” says Daniele. “Eric and Denise are both veteran AutoZoners with proven track records of success at our company. Eric Leef has extensive HR and leadership experience and will provide added depth to our talented management team.”
AutoZone is the leading retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the Americas. As of May 10, 2025, AutoZone had 6,537 stores in the U.S., 838 in Mexico and 141 in Brazil, for a total store count of 7,516. For more information, visit www.AutoZone.com.
SOURCE: AutoZone, Inc.