Genuine Parts Company Chairman Paul Donahue Plans to Retire in 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 15 2026
0mins
Should l Buy GPC?
Genuine Parts Company announced that Paul Donahue, Non-Executive Chairman, plans to retire from the Board of Directors at the company's 2026 annual meeting of shareholders. The company also announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Will Stengel, currently the company's President and CEO, to the additional role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Upon Donahue's retirement, Stengel will assume the combined position of Chairman and CEO.
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Analyst Views on GPC
Wall Street analysts forecast GPC stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for GPC is 148.67 USD with a low forecast of 146.00 USD and a high forecast of 150.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
4 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 146.210
Low
146.00
Averages
148.67
High
150.00
Current: 146.210
Low
146.00
Averages
148.67
High
150.00
About GPC
Genuine Parts Company is a global service provider of automotive and industrial replacement parts and value-added solutions. The Company’s segments include Automotive Parts Group (Automotive) and Industrial Parts Group (Industrial). The Automotive segment distributes replacement parts (other than collision parts) for all makes and models of automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles in North America, Europe and Australasia. Its main automotive customers are repair and maintenance shops, and its main industrial customers are businesses operating distribution, manufacturing and production equipment. The Industrial segment distributes a wide variety of industrial bearings, mechanical and fluid power transmission equipment, including hydraulic and pneumatic products, material handling components and related parts and supplies. Its industrial business offers replacement parts and solutions to maintenance, repair and operation (MRO) customers and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Genuine Parts Company to Release Q4 and Full-Year Financial Results
- Earnings Release Schedule: Genuine Parts Company plans to release its fourth quarter and full-year financial results on February 17, 2026, which is expected to provide investors with critical financial data and business performance insights.
- Conference Call Arrangement: Following the earnings release, management will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET, allowing the public to access the webcast and supplemental earnings materials on the company's investor relations website, enhancing transparency.
- Dial-in Participation: The public can participate in the conference call by dialing 1-800-836-8184, ensuring that investors can receive real-time updates on the company's latest developments and management insights, thereby improving investor relations.
- Replay Service: A replay of the call will be available two hours after its completion via the company's website or by dialing 1-888-660-6345 (ID 67947#), providing convenience for investors who could not participate live to catch up on the meeting content.
See More
Genuine Parts Company to Release Q4 and Full-Year Financial Results
- Earnings Release Schedule: Genuine Parts Company plans to release its fourth quarter and full-year financial results on February 17, 2026, which is expected to provide investors with key performance metrics and future outlook.
- Conference Call Details: Following the earnings release, management will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET, with the public able to access the webcast and supplemental financial materials on the company's investor relations website, enhancing transparency.
- Replay Availability: A replay of the call will be available two hours after its completion on the company's website or toll-free at 1-888-660-6345 (ID 67947#), ensuring that investors who cannot participate live can still access the information.
- Global Business Overview: Established in 1928, Genuine Parts Company is a leading global service provider of automotive and industrial replacement parts, operating over 10,700 locations and employing more than 63,000 teammates across 17 countries, showcasing its significant market presence.
See More
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Genuine Parts Company Appoints Will Stengel as Chairman, Effective 2026
- Executive Appointment: Genuine Parts Company announced the appointment of Will Stengel as Chairman of the Board, succeeding Paul Donahue, who will retire at the 2026 annual meeting, indicating the company's commitment to leadership stability.
- Leadership Experience: Stengel has served as President and CEO since June 2024 and was President from 2021 to 2023, bringing extensive management experience that will aid the company's future growth.
- Market Reaction: Following the announcement, GPC shares rose 0.90% in pre-market trading on the New York Stock Exchange, reaching $135, reflecting market optimism regarding the new chairman's leadership.
- Strategic Implications: Stengel's appointment not only ensures continuity in corporate governance but may also provide consistency in future strategic decisions, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
See More
Genuine Parts Company Chair Paul Donahue to Retire, Will Stengel Named Chair-Elect
- Leadership Transition: Genuine Parts Company announced that Non-Executive Chair Paul Donahue will retire at the 2026 annual shareholder meeting, with current CEO Will Stengel appointed as Chair, ensuring unified leadership and strategic direction for the company.
- Strategic Continuity: Donahue has served the company for over 20 years, successfully streamlining GPC's portfolio and strengthening governance, laying a solid foundation for future operational performance and profitability, thereby enhancing shareholder value.
- New Chair Background: Stengel has been CEO since June 2024 and previously served as President from 2021 to 2023, bringing extensive operational and strategic expertise to effectively guide the company into its next phase.
- Future Outlook: Stengel expressed his commitment to closely collaborate with the Board and team to continue driving profitable growth and long-term shareholder value, demonstrating confidence in the company's future development.
See More
Genuine Parts Company Chair Paul Donahue to Retire, Will Stengel Named Chair-Elect
- Leadership Transition: Genuine Parts Company announces that Non-Executive Chair Paul Donahue will retire at the 2026 annual shareholder meeting, with current President and CEO Will Stengel appointed as Chair-Elect, ensuring unified leadership and strategic direction for the company.
- Strategic Continuity: Stengel has served as President and CEO since June 2024 and held various executive roles prior, and his extensive operational and strategic expertise is expected to drive the company's growth and profitability in the future.
- Governance Enhancement: Donahue's over 20 years of service has successfully streamlined the company's portfolio and strengthened governance, laying a solid foundation for future operational performance and shareholder value creation, reflecting the company's commitment to continuous improvement.
- Collaborative Vision: Stengel expressed his intention to work closely with the Board and team to advance operational and strategic initiatives aimed at driving profitable growth and long-term shareholder value, demonstrating confidence and determination for the company's future development.
See More
Genuine Parts Company to Release Q4 and Full-Year Financial Results
- Earnings Release Schedule: Genuine Parts Company plans to release its fourth quarter and full-year financial results on February 17, 2026, which is expected to provide investors with critical financial data and business performance insights.
- Conference Call Arrangement: Following the earnings release, management will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET, allowing the public to access the webcast and supplemental earnings materials on the company's investor relations website, enhancing transparency.
- Dial-in Participation: The public can participate in the conference call by dialing 1-800-836-8184, ensuring that investors can receive real-time updates on the company's latest developments and management insights, thereby improving investor relations.
- Replay Service: A replay of the call will be available two hours after its completion via the company's website or by dialing 1-888-660-6345 (ID 67947#), providing convenience for investors who could not participate live to catch up on the meeting content.
See More
Genuine Parts Company to Release Q4 and Full-Year Financial Results
- Earnings Release Schedule: Genuine Parts Company plans to release its fourth quarter and full-year financial results on February 17, 2026, which is expected to provide investors with key performance metrics and future outlook.
- Conference Call Details: Following the earnings release, management will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET, with the public able to access the webcast and supplemental financial materials on the company's investor relations website, enhancing transparency.
- Replay Availability: A replay of the call will be available two hours after its completion on the company's website or toll-free at 1-888-660-6345 (ID 67947#), ensuring that investors who cannot participate live can still access the information.
- Global Business Overview: Established in 1928, Genuine Parts Company is a leading global service provider of automotive and industrial replacement parts, operating over 10,700 locations and employing more than 63,000 teammates across 17 countries, showcasing its significant market presence.
See More
Dell, Heineken, and 28 Additional Selections for 2026 from the Barron’s Roundtable
Dramatic Start to 2026: The year has begun with significant tensions, likened to a transition from conflict to peace efforts.
Greenland's Political Situation: Greenland was on the verge of becoming the seventh state of New England, highlighting its unique geopolitical status.
See More
Genuine Parts Company Appoints Will Stengel as Chairman, Effective 2026
- Executive Appointment: Genuine Parts Company announced the appointment of Will Stengel as Chairman of the Board, succeeding Paul Donahue, who will retire at the 2026 annual meeting, indicating the company's commitment to leadership stability.
- Leadership Experience: Stengel has served as President and CEO since June 2024 and was President from 2021 to 2023, bringing extensive management experience that will aid the company's future growth.
- Market Reaction: Following the announcement, GPC shares rose 0.90% in pre-market trading on the New York Stock Exchange, reaching $135, reflecting market optimism regarding the new chairman's leadership.
- Strategic Implications: Stengel's appointment not only ensures continuity in corporate governance but may also provide consistency in future strategic decisions, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
See More
Genuine Parts Company Chair Paul Donahue to Retire, Will Stengel Named Chair-Elect
- Leadership Transition: Genuine Parts Company announced that Non-Executive Chair Paul Donahue will retire at the 2026 annual shareholder meeting, with current CEO Will Stengel appointed as Chair, ensuring unified leadership and strategic direction for the company.
- Strategic Continuity: Donahue has served the company for over 20 years, successfully streamlining GPC's portfolio and strengthening governance, laying a solid foundation for future operational performance and profitability, thereby enhancing shareholder value.
- New Chair Background: Stengel has been CEO since June 2024 and previously served as President from 2021 to 2023, bringing extensive operational and strategic expertise to effectively guide the company into its next phase.
- Future Outlook: Stengel expressed his commitment to closely collaborate with the Board and team to continue driving profitable growth and long-term shareholder value, demonstrating confidence in the company's future development.
See More
Genuine Parts Company Chair Paul Donahue to Retire, Will Stengel Named Chair-Elect
- Leadership Transition: Genuine Parts Company announces that Non-Executive Chair Paul Donahue will retire at the 2026 annual shareholder meeting, with current President and CEO Will Stengel appointed as Chair-Elect, ensuring unified leadership and strategic direction for the company.
- Strategic Continuity: Stengel has served as President and CEO since June 2024 and held various executive roles prior, and his extensive operational and strategic expertise is expected to drive the company's growth and profitability in the future.
- Governance Enhancement: Donahue's over 20 years of service has successfully streamlined the company's portfolio and strengthened governance, laying a solid foundation for future operational performance and shareholder value creation, reflecting the company's commitment to continuous improvement.
- Collaborative Vision: Stengel expressed his intention to work closely with the Board and team to advance operational and strategic initiatives aimed at driving profitable growth and long-term shareholder value, demonstrating confidence and determination for the company's future development.
See More
