Bob Thomas Named 2007 GPC Manager of the Year

Bob Thomas, President and CEO of EIS, has been named Genuine Parts Company (GPC) 2007 Manager of the Year. This is the highest honor that the Company bestows upon any one individual and the first time that an EIS executive has been named the GPC Manager of the Year.

Bob is a native of North Carolina and he attended Western Carolina University. After graduation, he served with distinction in the United States Army Military Intelligence and upon discharge, he joined Scott Paper Company. Over the next twenty-three years he advanced through Sales, Sales Management and Business Unit management positions in the U.S. and Asia.  In 1996, Bob joined Chemtronics, a supplier to EIS, as President. It was during this time that the folks at EIS had an opportunity to really get to know Bob and in October 1999, they convinced him to join EIS as Vice President – Sales & Marketing for the Com-Kyl Division.

Bob hit the ground running, quickly demonstrating his ability and over the next several years he was promoted to Senior Vice President – Electronics, and Group Vice President – Electronics prior to being named President of EIS in July of 2003, and he added the Chief Executive Officer title in January 2007.

EIS results for 2007 were most impressive.  Sales and Pretax Profit were both up, and Inventory Turnover was improved, making it a Triple Crown performance for EIS for two consecutive years.  Looking back, EIS experienced a recessionary period from 2001 – 2003.  But Bob and his team stayed focused on positioning EIS for improved performance in the years ahead and made EIS a significant contributor to GPC’s success. A recap of EIS results during this period shows significant improvements in all key areas including Sales, Pretax Profit, Operating Margin, Inventory Turnover and Return on Assets.

Bob and his Team have been making steady, consistent and dramatic progress for a number of years now and they have been significant contributors to GPC’s success during this period.

Bob Thomas is truly deserving of this prestigious recognition, and on behalf of the entire GPC organization, we extend our gratitude and congratulations.

Thomas C. Gallagher
Chairman, President and CEO

Genuine Parts Company