by Brian Cruickshank and Amy Antenora, aftermarketNews

SAN ANTONIO – While he’s been working in the automotive industry for more than four decades, he’s not ready to call it quits just yet. Dick Morgan, president and CEO of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, may have officially announced his plans for retirement during the Alliance’s recent Winter Shareholders meeting, but he’s in no hurry to leave the industry.

The announcement was part of the Alliance’s start of its official search for Morgan’s successor. The Alliance expects the entire process to take about two years, ensuring for a smooth transition.

"This isn’t something that I particularly want to do, but I think this is something the Alliance needs to do to prepare itself to find someone to take my place," Morgan told aftermarketNews late last week. "There’s no real urgency, however. We wanted to make it official so that people who might be interested can let their interest be known. We really don’t think this is going to happen quickly, but if it did, I’d be prepared to step aside and do everything I could to help. This is nothing, though, that has to happen in a hurry. As Eli (Futerman) told the vendor community, if anyone thinks I’m a lame duck, they better stay out of the way."

Morgan’s career began in 1962 with General Motors in the Spark Plug Division. He has served president and CEO of the Alliance since it was formed in 2000. An active industry leader, Morgan is currently winding down his two year term as chairman of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association.

Morgan told aftermarketNews last week that there are a number of opportunities available to him once he’s transitioned out of his current role, but he hasn’t made any definitive plans yet.

Eli Futerman, current treasurer and previous chairman of the board, heads up the search committee to find a replacement for Morgan. Qualified candidates can contact him at [email protected].