Vintage Parts Appoints Jim Lyski as CEO to Lead Next Phase of Growth and Innovation
Vintage Parts, a leading supplier of original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-sourced replacement parts throughout North America, has announced the appointment of Jim Lyski as its new Chief Executive Officer. His appointment became effective on August 1, 2026, marking a significant leadership transition for the company as it prepares to accelerate growth, strengthen customer relationships, and expand its market presence.
The appointment represents an important milestone for Vintage Parts, which has built a strong reputation for providing OEM replacement parts and inventory solutions to automotive manufacturers and dealers. With decades of leadership experience spanning the automotive, insurance, consumer products, healthcare, and logistics industries, Lyski brings a diverse background in corporate transformation, innovation, digital strategy, and operational excellence.
The leadership change also reflects the continued commitment of GenNx360 Capital Partners, the New York City-based private equity firm that owns Vintage Parts, to invest in experienced executives capable of driving long-term value creation and sustainable business growth.
A New Era of Leadership
As the replacement parts industry continues to evolve through digital transformation, changing customer expectations, and advances in supply chain technology, companies are increasingly seeking executives who can balance operational excellence with innovation. Jim Lyski’s appointment reflects this trend.
Over the course of more than thirty years, Lyski has established himself as a leader capable of guiding organizations through periods of rapid change while maintaining a focus on customer satisfaction and profitable growth. His career includes executive leadership roles at several nationally recognized companies where he successfully developed business strategies, introduced digital innovations, expanded customer engagement initiatives, and improved organizational performance.
At Vintage Parts, he will now oversee all aspects of the company’s operations, strategic planning, business development, customer relationships, and long-term growth initiatives.
His leadership is expected to help the company strengthen its position as one of North America’s premier providers of OEM replacement parts while expanding opportunities with existing and new manufacturing partners.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Vintage Parts has earned its reputation by specializing in OEM replacement parts that support manufacturers, dealers, distributors, and repair facilities across North America. The company helps manufacturers efficiently manage excess inventory while ensuring customers continue to have access to genuine replacement components for vehicles and equipment.
Its business model enables OEMs to maximize the value of surplus inventory while providing dealerships and consumers with reliable access to authentic replacement parts that meet original manufacturer specifications.
As vehicle technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, demand for genuine OEM components continues to grow. Repair facilities and customers often prefer original equipment parts because they provide better compatibility, reliability, quality assurance, and warranty protection compared to aftermarket alternatives.
Vintage Parts has positioned itself as a trusted intermediary within this ecosystem by helping manufacturers efficiently distribute these components while maintaining high service standards.
Under Jim Lyski’s leadership, the company intends to further strengthen these capabilities while identifying new opportunities to improve customer service, operational efficiency, and product availability.
Extensive Executive Experience
Before joining Vintage Parts, Jim Lyski most recently served as Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer at CarMax, Inc., one of the largest used vehicle retailers in the United States.
During his tenure, he played a major role in transforming CarMax into a modern omni-channel retailer capable of serving customers through both physical locations and digital platforms.
His responsibilities included overseeing strategic planning, innovation initiatives, artificial intelligence development, product strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and long-term business transformation.
The automotive retail industry has undergone dramatic changes over the past decade, with increasing consumer demand for online shopping, digital financing, remote purchasing options, and integrated customer experiences.
Lyski helped position CarMax to meet these evolving expectations by supporting technology-driven solutions that improved convenience, operational efficiency, and customer engagement.
His work in artificial intelligence and digital innovation also demonstrated his ability to leverage emerging technologies to improve business performance.
These experiences are expected to be valuable assets as Vintage Parts continues modernizing its operations and expanding its digital capabilities.
Leadership Across Multiple Industries
Jim Lyski’s executive experience extends far beyond the automotive industry.
Prior to joining CarMax, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, where he led brand strategy, customer engagement, innovation, and marketing initiatives for one of the world’s best-known lawn and garden companies.
Before that, he held the same executive leadership position at Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, where he oversaw large-scale marketing, branding, and customer experience programs.
His career also includes serving as Senior Vice President of Strategy, Product, and Marketing at Cigna, where he played a key role in product development, strategic planning, and customer-focused initiatives within the healthcare industry.
Earlier in his professional journey, Lyski held several senior leadership positions at FedEx Corporation, gaining valuable experience in logistics, transportation, operations, and global business management.
This diverse background has provided him with extensive expertise in:
- Strategic business transformation
- Operational excellence
- Digital innovation
- Artificial intelligence implementation
- Product development
- Marketing and branding
- Customer experience management
- Data analytics
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Organizational leadership
These capabilities are expected to help Vintage Parts continue evolving within an increasingly technology-driven marketplace.
Leading the Company’s Next Growth Phase
As CEO, Jim Lyski will focus on several strategic priorities designed to strengthen Vintage Parts’ competitive position.
One of his primary objectives will be enhancing the company’s operational capabilities. Efficient inventory management, streamlined logistics, and reliable fulfillment remain essential components of the OEM replacement parts business.
He will also work closely with the executive leadership team to expand the company’s product offerings while identifying new opportunities for growth across key North American markets.
Another major priority involves strengthening relationships with OEM partners.
Vintage Parts works closely with manufacturers to manage replacement parts inventory and support long-term product availability. Maintaining strong partnerships with these manufacturers is critical for ensuring customers receive authentic replacement components backed by OEM quality standards.
Lyski also plans to further improve customer experiences by investing in technology, operational improvements, and service enhancements.
Customer expectations continue evolving across every industry, including automotive parts distribution. Faster delivery, improved digital ordering systems, greater inventory visibility, and personalized support have become increasingly important competitive advantages.
His previous experience leading customer-focused transformations positions him well to guide these initiatives.
Recognition from GenNx360 Capital Partners
The appointment received strong support from GenNx360 Capital Partners, Vintage Parts’ parent company.
Marie Ffolkes, Managing Partner at GenNx360, expressed confidence that Lyski’s extensive leadership experience makes him the ideal executive to guide the company’s future.
According to Ffolkes, his unique ability to combine disciplined operational management with forward-looking innovation aligns perfectly with Vintage Parts’ long-term strategic objectives.
She emphasized that his experience leading transformation initiatives across multiple industries would help accelerate company growth while creating additional value for OEM partners and customers alike.
GenNx360 specializes in investing in lower middle-market industrial and business services companies across the United States.
The private equity firm focuses on partnering with management teams to improve operational performance, expand market opportunities, and generate sustainable long-term value.
Its investment philosophy emphasizes leadership development, operational excellence, and strategic growth, making the appointment of an experienced executive like Jim Lyski consistent with its broader investment strategy.
Succeeding Rick Hiltunen
Jim Lyski succeeds Rick Hiltunen, who served as Chief Executive Officer of Vintage Parts for more than seven years.
During his tenure, Hiltunen played an instrumental role in expanding the company’s operations and strengthening its position within the OEM replacement parts industry.
Under his leadership, Vintage Parts enhanced relationships with manufacturers, expanded customer services, improved operational capabilities, and established itself as a trusted provider throughout North America.
His contributions helped transform the organization into one of the industry’s leading specialists in OEM replacement parts management and distribution.
As Lyski assumes leadership, he inherits a company with a strong operational foundation and an experienced management team prepared to support future expansion.
Jim Lyski’s Vision
Commenting on his appointment, Jim Lyski expressed enthusiasm about joining the organization during an important stage of its development.
He stated that he is honored to lead Vintage Parts and looks forward to working closely with employees, leadership, customers, and manufacturing partners.
Lyski emphasized his commitment to building upon the company’s existing strengths while expanding OEM partnerships and creating long-term value for customers and stakeholders.
His comments reflect a collaborative leadership philosophy focused on continuous improvement, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Rather than pursuing change for its own sake, his approach centers on enhancing the company’s established strengths while preparing it for future opportunities.
Industry Outlook
The OEM replacement parts market continues to experience steady demand driven by several long-term trends.
Vehicles are remaining on the road longer than ever before, increasing demand for replacement components throughout their service life.
Consumers are also increasingly choosing genuine OEM parts because they offer proven compatibility, quality assurance, and manufacturer-backed performance.
Meanwhile, manufacturers continue seeking more efficient methods of managing surplus inventory and ensuring long-term parts availability for discontinued models.
Companies like Vintage Parts play an increasingly important role within this ecosystem by connecting OEM inventory with customers who require authentic replacement components.
Digital technologies, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and advanced inventory management systems are expected to further reshape the industry over the coming years.
Jim Lyski’s extensive experience leading digital transformation initiatives positions Vintage Parts to capitalize on these emerging opportunities while maintaining its commitment to customer service and operational excellence.
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