Herman Word
About Herman Word
Herman Word serves as the Executive Vice President of U.S. Stores and Carquest Independents at Advance Auto Parts, where he has worked since 2003. He has held various leadership roles, including President of Carquest North America and Regional Vice President, and has been recognized for his contributions to the company's success.
Work at Advance Auto Parts
Herman Word has held multiple leadership roles at Advance Auto Parts since joining the company. He currently serves as the Executive Vice President, U.S. Stores and Carquest Independents, a position he has held since 2022. Prior to this role, he was the President of Carquest North America from 2019 to 2022. His career at Advance Auto Parts began in 2003 when he worked as a General Manager. Over the years, he has progressed through various positions, including District Manager and Regional Vice President, demonstrating a strong commitment to the company's growth and operational excellence.
Achievements
Herman Word has achieved significant milestones during his tenure at Advance Auto Parts. He turned around one of the company’s lowest performing regions, leading it to achieve the #1 ranking in the U.S. within 18 months. He has been recognized with Leadership Circle Awards in 2012, 2015, and 2016 for ranking in the Top 1% of the company. Additionally, he has successfully managed multi-state regions with up to 380 stores and $700 million in annual revenue, showcasing his ability to drive performance and results.
Education and Expertise
Herman Word studied at Radford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. His educational background provides him with a solid foundation for understanding complex systems, which he applies in his leadership roles. His expertise spans various aspects of retail management, including operational efficiency, team development, and strategic planning, contributing to his success in advancing the company's objectives.
Background
Before joining Advance Auto Parts, Herman Word worked at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a General Manager from 2001 to 2003. His experience in the automotive industry began there, where he developed skills in management and operations. After transitioning to Advance Auto Parts, he held various roles, including Regional Asset Protection Manager and General Manager, which equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the retail automotive sector.
Team Development
Throughout his career at Advance Auto Parts, Herman Word has demonstrated a commitment to team development. He has successfully promoted 12 team members to higher roles within the company, reflecting his focus on nurturing talent and fostering leadership within the organization. His efforts in developing best practices and programs have contributed to a culture of growth and advancement at Advance Auto Parts.