Monro Muffler Brake, Inc., a leading provider of automotive undercar
repair and tire services, today announced that Robert G. Gross, 49, the
Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, has been elected as
Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Gross
succeeds Peter J. Solomon, 68, who will remain on the Company's Board as
a Director. Mr. Gross will also continue to serve as President and Chief
Executive Officer, a position he has held since 1998.
Peter J. Solomon, Director, commented, "We are delighted to announce the
well-deserved election of Rob Gross as Chairman of Monro. In his role as
President and CEO, Mr. Gross has done an outstanding job of building
Monro through a combination of strategic acquisitions and organic
growth, while expanding Monro's reputation as a trusted service
provider. We are confident that Rob's election will serve to benefit the
long-term growth of the Company as well as serve to maximize return on
investment for our shareholders."
Robert G. Gross, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
commented, "I thank Peter for his tremendous support, guidance and
leadership throughout his tenure as Chairman and I look forward to
continuing to work with him in his role as Director. I appreciate the
confidence the Board of Directors demonstrated in appointing me Chairman
and am very pleased to take on this additional role with the Company. I
look forward to continuing our Company's focus on strategic growth and
further solidifying our strong market share position."
Separately, the Board of Directors has elected Ms. Elizabeth A. Wolszon,
53, to the Board of Directors. Ms. Wolszon will serve on Monro's
Compensation and Nominating Committees. She replaces Mr. Robert E.
Mellor, 63, who resigned from the Board in order to devote more time to
other professional duties. Ms. Wolszon has a distinguished career that
spans 30 years and includes leadership positions in marketing and
strategic planning. Her most recent position was Senior Vice President
of Marketing, Human Resources & Strategic Planning for the Safelite
Group, Inc., the nation's largest provider of auto glass repair and
replacement services. Previously, Ms. Wolszon was the Senior Vice
President of Marketing for Western Auto Supply Company, a leading
retailer and wholesaler of automotive aftermarket products. She began
her career at Procter & Gamble before moving to McKinsey & Co. as a
consultant.
Mr. Gross concluded, "We thank Mr. Mellor for his distinguished service
and are pleased to add Ms. Wolszon to our Board. We believe that our
Company stands to benefit significantly from Ms. Wolszon's extensive
professional experience and, in particular, her expertise in marketing
and the automotive industry."
About Monro Muffler Brake
Monro Muffler Brake operates a chain of
stores providing automotive undercar repair and tire services in the
United States, operating under the brand names of Monro Muffler Brake
and Service, Mr. Tire and Tread Quarters Discount Tires. The Company
currently operates 714 stores and has 14 dealer locations in New York,
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Virginia,
Maryland, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Indiana, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maine and Michigan. Monro's
stores provide a full range of services for exhaust systems, brake
systems, steering and suspension systems, tires and many vehicle
maintenance services
Source: Monro Muffler Brake Press
Release