BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Motion Industries, Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts and a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company, has named John Watwood group senior vice president of the Southeast Group, effective May 1.
Watwood earned an MBA from University of North Alabama and a bachelor of science in industrial distribution/marketing from University of Alabama at Birmingham. Watwood has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. He has worked in various positions with AIT, Fluid Engineering and SMC before joining Motion Industries in 2008 as a fluid power specialist based out of Mississippi. Watwood worked his way up to branch manager positions in Columbus, Mississippi, and Nashville, Tennessee, before earning a promotion to division vice president, general manager of the Nashville division in 2014.
Kevin Storer, Motion Industries executive vice president U.S. operations, said, “John’s experience, expertise, and leadership style are well suited for this expanded role and will allow him to move with agility toward success. We are excited that he has accepted the challenge to grow our Southeast market and enhance our initiatives with a fresh perspective.”
Motion Industries President Randy Breaux said, “John brings an intensity we need in the current market, along with the ability to drive strategic change through efficient operational execution. We look forward to seeing the Southeast Operating Group’s future accomplishments resulting from his influence.”