Motion Industries Chairman Retires

After 37 years at Motion Industries, Inc. (Birmingham, AL), a leading distributor of industrial maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts, chairman Bill Stevens announced his plans to retire effective March 1, 2015.

Tim Breen, named president and chief operating officer in 2013, then president and chief executive officer in 2014, succeeds Stevens to lead the company. The two have worked closely together during the last few years to ensure a smooth transition. Upon making his retirement announcement, Stevens commented, “Tim brings significant experience and skills to lead us. It will be exciting to see the future, as Tim and his management team continue the wonderful tradition of our company.”

Tom Gallagher, the chairman and chief executive officer of Motion’s parent, Genuine Parts Company, commented, “Bill was the chief executive officer there for 18 years, and they have grown to become one of the leading industrial distribution companies in North America, largely attributable to his leadership. We wish him the very best in his retirement. We are also excited to have Tim Breen in his new role. His proven leadership and tremendous industry experience make him the right person to lead us to further success in the years ahead.”

Stevens began his career with the company in 1978 as director of human resources. After several promotions to various other roles, he was named president and chief executive officer before becoming president and chief executive officer in 1997. With him at the helm, sales grew from $1.85 billion in 1997 to $4.8 billion in 2014.

A portion of this growth, in both sales and footprint, can be attributed to the 38 acquisitions completed during his tenure. Growth in product offerings, program introductions, and system advancements since 1997 have also contributed to the expansion under his leadership. This success is reflected with the honor of numerous awards received from customers over the years for quality, service and efficiency.

Stevens has personally received a number of distinguished awards, including 1997 and 2006 Genuine Parts Company Manager of the Year, and the 2014 Bearing Specialists Association (BSA) Lifetime Achievement Award.  He has been a BSA member since 1989 and has served in many capacities. He has also been an active member of the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) for many years, as well as serving on numerous boards of both for-profit and nonprofit organizations in the Birmingham area. Other industry recognition includes interviews in various trade publications over the years.

Throughout his career, Stevens has remained dedicated to family, faith and community while managing to devote countless hours to the industry. Employees thank him for his many contributions and will be inspired by his leadership, wisdom and generous spirit for many years into the future.

With annual sales of $4.8 billion, Motion Industries is a leading industrial parts distributor of bearings, mechanical power transmission, electrical and industrial automation, hydraulic and industrial hose, hydraulic and pneumatic components, industrial products, safety products, and material handling. The company has over 550 operations, including 15 distribution centers throughout North America and serves more than 150,000 customers from the food and beverage, pulp and paper, iron and steel, chemical, mining and aggregate, petrochemical, automotive, wood and lumber, and pharmaceutical industries.

www.motionindustries.com