John R. Washbish, President & CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance is the recipient of Northwood University’s Outstanding Business Leader award.
Washbish accepted his award at a ceremony in West Palm Beach, Fla., on March 16.
“We couldn’t be more excited and prouder of John,” says Northwood University President and CEO Keith Pretty. “John is a Northwood man. He has dedicated his life and career to the automotive market. His roots are here at Northwood. We’d like to think that some of his wild success comes from his foundation he received here.”
The awards ceremony took place at The Breakers Hotel at the university’s 39th annual ceremony. More than 200 people including the 2019 incoming honoree class, past honorees, board members, and Northwood students, friends, and family attended the event.
The award recognizes leaders in the American free enterprise system. The university’s trustees choose awardees on the basis of their contribution to the philosophy of private enterprise, support of the integration of business and the arts, contribution to education, economic innovation, creative marketing ideas, community involvement, religious leadership, and philanthropic contributions, as well as business success.
Washbish has been in the automotive for 50 years now and is hailed by Northwood as an “icon” of the automotive aftermarket. Washbish has held his key leadership position in the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance since Jan. 1, 2010. As the President of the company, he has worked towards increasing its international presence by partnering with TEMOT International and then becoming the first program group to create a footprint in China.
Washbish has previously worked with Michigan Engine bearings, Clevite Engine Parts, Dana Corporation and Affinia Group. He has also served the industry beyond his office hours, serving as President of the Automotive Sales Council and National Engine Parts Manufacturers Association, as Chairman of the Young Executive Society and the Manufacturers’ Advisory Council of AWDA, and as a board member for the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers and Automotive Aftermarket Industry Associations. He currently holds the position of Senior Vice Chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, works on the AWDA Council of Governors and is a mentor for the Young Auto Care Networking Group.
Washbish has received several other awards for his leadership, including the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association Leader of the Year in 2004 and the Northwood Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award.
