Advance Auto Parts Names Jeff Vining as General Counsel
Advance Auto Parts, Inc., a premier automotive aftermarket parts provider in North America that caters to both professional installers and do-it-yourself customers, has announced the appointment of Jeff Vining as its new executive vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary. His appointment will take effect on March 2, 2025. In this key leadership role, Mr. Vining will oversee all aspects of the company’s legal, corporate governance, and compliance functions, ensuring that Advance Auto Parts continues to operate with the highest standards of legal integrity. He will report directly to Shane O’Kelly, president and chief executive officer of the company.
Mr. Vining is succeeding Tammy Finley, who has been an instrumental part of Advance Auto Parts for nearly three decades. Ms. Finley, who currently serves as executive vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary, has decided to retire but will remain with the company in an advisory capacity to facilitate a seamless transition. Her tenure at Advance Auto Parts spans 27 years, during which she played a pivotal role in the company’s legal, human resources, and communications functions.
Her leadership was essential in guiding the company through significant phases of growth, transformation, and strategic decision-making. Notably, she played a crucial role in the recent divestiture of the Worldpac business, a move that aligns with Advance Auto Parts’ broader strategic vision.
Shane O’Kelly, president and CEO, expressed his gratitude for Finley’s dedicated service and emphasized the significance of Vining’s appointment. “Jeff’s extensive experience in driving business transformations and operational efficiencies will be critical in executing our strategic action plan,” O’Kelly stated. “We are deeply appreciative of Tammy’s immense contributions over the years, her leadership, and her unwavering commitment to Advance Auto Parts and its team members. As she embarks on this new chapter of her life, we extend our heartfelt best wishes.”
With more than 20 years of legal experience in publicly traded companies, Jeff Vining brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, labor and employment law, and litigation. His professional background includes serving as general counsel and secretary at Unifi, Inc., where he managed the company’s global legal functions and ensured compliance with corporate governance requirements. In his role at Unifi, he was responsible for overseeing legal affairs across international operations and advising executive leadership on critical business and regulatory matters.
Before joining Unifi, Mr. Vining spent a significant portion of his career at Lowe’s Companies, Inc., where he held senior leadership roles, including senior vice president, deputy general counsel, chief compliance officer, and assistant secretary. At Lowe’s, he played a crucial role in protecting the company’s brand and reputation by leading legal strategies related to litigation, complex transactions, regulatory compliance, and enterprise risk management. He was also instrumental in leading a team of over 75 professionals, ensuring that Lowe’s maintained high legal and compliance standards while navigating an evolving business landscape.
In addition to his corporate experience, Mr. Vining possesses a strong academic background. He earned his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Richmond School of Law in Richmond, Virginia, where he developed his foundational legal expertise. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, further solidifying his comprehensive knowledge base in business and legal affairs.
His appointment comes at a critical juncture for Advance Auto Parts, as the company continues to refine its strategic focus and enhance its operational efficiencies. With Mr. Vining at the helm of the legal department, the company expects to strengthen its corporate governance framework, navigate complex regulatory environments, and reinforce its commitment to compliance and risk management.
As Advance Auto Parts transitions to new leadership within its legal department, the company remains committed to its long-term growth objectives and its mission of providing high-quality automotive parts and services to customers across North America. The appointment of Mr. Vining signals a strong commitment to legal excellence and strategic governance, ensuring that Advance Auto Parts remains a trusted and reliable partner in the automotive aftermarket industry.
The leadership change also highlights Advance Auto Parts’ dedication to fostering top-tier executive talent, ensuring continuity and stability in its legal and governance functions. The company’s ability to attract high-caliber professionals like Jeff Vining reflects its ongoing commitment to strong leadership, sound legal practices, and corporate responsibility.
With his extensive experience, strategic legal acumen, and leadership capabilities, Jeff Vining is well-positioned to guide Advance Auto Parts through its next phase of growth and transformation. The company looks forward to leveraging his expertise to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape, strengthen risk management practices, and uphold its unwavering commitment to legal and ethical business operations.
As the automotive aftermarket industry continues to evolve, the role of legal leadership in ensuring compliance, mitigating risks, and supporting strategic initiatives has never been more critical. With Jeff Vining taking the reins as general counsel, Advance Auto Parts is poised to navigate the complexities of the industry with confidence, integrity, and a renewed focus on driving sustainable business success.
Advance Auto Parts extends its deepest gratitude to Tammy Finley for her exceptional contributions and leadership over the years and welcomes Jeff Vining as a key member of its executive leadership team. The company remains steadfast in its mission to serve professional installers and do-it-yourself customers with excellence, supported by a strong legal foundation that ensures its continued success in the automotive aftermarket industry.
