Johnson Announces Retirement, Berry to Lead ATD

Bill Berry has been tipped to be American Tire Distributors’ new CEO and president with the pending retirement of Dick Johnson, who will step down on 5 April. Berry, currently president and COO, joined ATD in 1998 when ATD (then Heafner Tire) merged with Itco Tire Co. He became executive vice president and COO in January 2002 and was named president and COO in May 2003.

Johnson will remain as chairman of the company for the next two years. He became chairman and CEO in May 2003, and during his tenure ATD doubled its sales to more than $2 billion and led the acquisition of numerous tyre distributors, including Am-Pac in late December.

“It has been my privilege to work closely with Bill Berry and the rest of the leadership team over the past decade to build a company that is stronger than ever and ready to shape the future of our industry,” said Johnson. “The changes announced today are the result of a succession plan developed over several years and designed to ensure a seamless transition and strength, stability and continuity of leadership for our company.” (Tire Review/Akron)