Genuine Parts Co., a major distributor of auto parts across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, has named a new president.

Paul Donahue, formerly an executive vice president, was selected to become the seventh president in the company's 84-year history. He will also retain his role as president of its U.S. automotive parts unit.

Mr. Donahue takes up his new post in place of Chief Executive Tom Gallagher, who was also serving as president.

Mr. Donahue has been with Genuine Parts since 2003, when he came to the company from Newell Rubbermaid Inc., another metro Atlanta-based Fortune 500 firm. He has served in a variety of roles, including heading up Auto Todo, the company's Mexican aftermarket business, and Altrom, its import parts distribution operation.

In 2010, Genuine Parts recorded sales of $11.2 billion.

Visit www.genpt.com for more information.