American Tire Distributors Replaces President, Launches CEO Search

Why This Matters to Distributors: American Tire Distributors is changing leadership after eliminating more than $170 million in costs during 2026. Its next leader will oversee continued efforts to improve operating performance and invest in the company’s national distribution network.

American Tire Distributors has named board member Michael Broderick interim president, replacing Ira B. Silver as the tire wholesaler continues to cut costs and overhaul its operations.

The appointment took effect immediately, the Huntersville, North Carolina-based company said Oct. 20. ATD said it and Silver had parted ways but did not disclose the circumstances of his departure. The board is searching for a permanent CEO and will consider internal and external candidates.

The leadership change comes as ATD works to strengthen its core tire distribution business following an ownership transition last year. The company said it eliminated more than $170 million in structural costs during 2026 and reinvested some of the savings in its operations.

ATD did not detail those reductions or disclose how much it reinvested. It said shareholders support further investment in its national distribution network, but it provided no spending amount or timetable.

“As we look to accelerate these efforts, we determined that now is the right time to initiate a leadership transition,” ATD board chairman Philippe Gilbert said.

Gilbert said Broderick’s experience leading automotive businesses would help guide the transition. ATD’s existing management team will support him and continue overseeing distribution operations and the company’s strategic initiatives.

Broderick, an automotive aftermarket executive and current ATD director, said he also spent more than a decade working with the distributor as a customer. He said his priorities include improving the distribution network, strengthening customer and manufacturer relationships, and making the business more efficient.

The transition follows ATD’s March 2025 sale of all its assets to new owners. At the time, the company outlined plans to rebuild inventory and improve its distribution footprint while concentrating on its core tire distribution business.

Silver previously served as president and CEO of regional tire wholesaler Max Finkelstein Inc. Following that company’s sale to U.S. AutoForce in January 2022, he became president of U.S. AutoForce’s East region before joining ATD.

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