GPC Asia Pacific Chief People Officer Aileen Hayes is committed to seeing her teams and her fellow industry professionals succeed

With global experience and a dedication to people-centric leadership, Aileen Hayes has long been making her mark in the automotive industry, most recently as Chief People Officer for Genuine Parts Company (GPC) Asia Pacific.
A commitment to adaptability, collaboration and building strong relationships while fostering an inclusive and dynamic workplace has seen Aileen not only stride ahead in her own career but also strive to lift up those around her.
And she is doing this not only within GPC Asia Pacific, but also the automotive industry as a whole, as a key member of the AAAAWomen Steering Committee.
“AAAA Women is all about creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and fostering a more inclusive and diverse automotive industry,” Aileen explains.
“Through my involvement, I hope to provide mentorship, encourage more women to enter and/or advance in the industry, and work collaboratively to address the imbalances that still exist.
“I truly believe that a more diverse and inclusive industry drives better innovation, improved outcomes, and a stronger future for everyone.”
Aileen is not only on the steering committee but also actively championing one of AAAAWomen’s key projects.
“One of the standout aspects of this initiative that I’m proud to be involved in is the AAAAWomen Connection Circles,” Aileen said.
“These circles provide a safe and supportive space for women in the industry to connect, share experiences, network, and support each other’s growth.
“They are a perfect example of how collaboration and community can create meaningful change. The Circles kick off from June, and I’m excited to see the impact they’ll have.”
Aileen was born and raised in a small town called Levin (Taitoko) in New Zealand, located about 95 kilometres north of Wellington.
It wasn’t until her final year at university that she truly found the career path she wanted to pursue.
“Originally, I had set my sights on working in science. However, as I explored subjects involving business, psychology, and human behaviour, I realised I could make a meaningful impact on people’s lives in the workplace. This discovery redirected my focus towards a career in leadership and business, specifically Human Resources,” Aileen said.
While a passionate member of the automotive community, her interest in the automotive world came indirectly. My partner Bruce is a car enthusiast, so while I’ve found myself fully immersed in the industry professionally, I also hear a lot about it at home,” Aileen said with a smile.
“And I have of course also found appreciation for automotive through our team members, who have such an incredible passion for automotive.”
Aileen’s first foray into working life came behind a Woolworths Deli counter, before she embarked on a wide-ranging career that took her all over the globe.

“After starting my career in HR, I embraced every opportunity that came my way, which allowed me to work across multiple industries and countries, including New Zealand, England, and Canada, as well as supporting areas within the United States, and now Australia,” she explains.
“Each role shaped my leadership style and broadened my perspective, ultimately leading me to the automotive industry – a highly dynamic and evolving sector where I am proud to contribute today.
“My first HR role was with Airways New Zealand, where I was responsible for hiring and training Air Traffic Controllers. This experience gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of robust training programs and the high costs of getting them wrong.
“It was an incredible opportunity with unique perks, such as sitting in the jump seat on flights around New Zealand. Flying into Queenstown in a cockpit remains one of my most unforgettable experiences.
“After this, I moved to London (England), spending two years there. During this time, I worked as a HR Strategy Manager for the Borough of Southwark and later as a HR Manager and Employee Relations specialist for a charity, United Response.
“As my visa was nearing its end, I applied for a working visa for Canada. I still worked for United Response part time from Canada starting work at 4.00am to hit the afternoon London time zone before accepting a role with The Home Depot. Known at the time for being ahead of its competitors in HR practices, the organisation provided invaluable learning and growth opportunities.
“I loved my role there and was fortunate that The Home Depot sponsored me to remain in the country and receive my Citizenship. I stayed with The Home Depot for nearly seven years before returning to New Zealand to work for Repco.
“This brought me to my current role as Chief People Officer (CPO) for GPC Asia Pacific, based in Melbourne.
“For those seeking to enter this industry, I say: be curious, embrace opportunities, and never stop learning. The automotive industry is broad and ever-changing, so maintaining a mindset of adaptability and growth will always serve you well. Also, build relationships – this is a people-driven industry, and partnerships are at the core of its success.”
Her commitment to embracing opportunity has certainly served Aileen well.
“One of the best decisions I made was saying ‘yes’ to every career opportunity that came my way. This willingness to step out of my comfort zone led me to work in a variety of incredible locations and each move taught me something new and prepared me for the challenges I face today,” she says.
“Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and experiences I’ve had. While living in each of those locations, I was able to travel extensively and was fortunate to have seen many parts of the world throughout my 20s and 30s.”
The GPC Asia Pacific we all know today began when in 1922 Geoffrey Russell opened a small factory in a tin shed in Collingwood, Victoria, trading under the name Automotive Grinding Company.
Keen to become involved in the burgeoning auto industry, he saw a business opportunity for replacement parts which saw the birth of Replacement Parts Company (REPCO). Repco quickly became a household name in the Automotive industry.
Later transitioning to GPC Asia Pacific, the company has experienced significant evolution over the years, growing both organically and through key strategic acquisitions.
“We have expanded our network and capabilities to become the largest automotive aftermarket supplier in Australia and New Zealand,” Aileen states.
In 2013, the business became part of Genuine Parts Company (GPC), one of the largest global distributors of automotive and industrial replacement parts.
“For GPC Asia Pacific, the most pivotal decision in our journey so far has been joining Genuine Parts Company,” Aileen said.
“This acquisition allowed GPC Asia Pacific to leverage global capabilities and resources while maintaining its strong local identity and focus on serving professional and retail customers across the region.
“It was not just a partnership, but a transformative moment that allowed us to integrate global expertise and resources from one of the world’s leading automotive and industrial parts distributors.
“This decision took our operations to the next level, enabling us to offer world-class supply chain efficiencies, elevate customer service, and consolidate our position as the leading automotive aftermarket supplier in the region.
“It also set the foundation for a future where we can continue exceeding customer expectations while driving growth and innovation.”

Today GPC Asia Pacific operates in two primary divisions: Automotive (serving professional and retail customers with replacement parts, tools, and accessories) and Industrial (providing industrial replacement parts and supplies).
In the Automotive Division, GPC Asia Pacific currently operates under several well-known brands including Repco, NAPA, Sparesbox, Rare Spares, Auto Parts Group (APG) and AMX Super Stores.
“Our adaptability to changing market needs, focus on customer experience, and investment in innovation and digital infrastructure have been critical in keeping us at the forefront of the automotive aftermarket sector in the Asia Pacific region,” Aileen stated.
“Our strong company culture, our customer centric approach, strong regional footprint, iconic brands, unmatched supply chain capabilities, global network, and focus on reliability and innovation gives us a competitive advantage.
“We are able to meet the unique demands of each customer, stay agile amidst change, and retain our market leadership, and in my opinion, we have the best team in the industry, and there is a deep respect and care for that team.
“Looking to the future, we remain focused on meeting evolving customer needs by expanding our offerings in sustainability-oriented products, leveraging digital advancements, and continuing to lead as a trusted partner in both the automotive and industrial sectors.
“This commitment will see us adapt to changing global demands, investing in new technologies and supply chain solutions to serve customers in both traditional and emerging markets on a global scale.
“Of course, there will be challenges – from the current challenging macroeconomic landscape, rising inflation, fluctuating interest rates, and currency volatility which add pressure on operations, pricing strategies, and supply chain management, to the future shifts towards electric and autonomous vehicles which will reshape our industry, successfully navigating these challenges while continuing to innovate and meet customer needs is at the forefront of our focus.
“Through it all, our vision is to remain a leader in automotive and industrial distribution.”
As GPC Asia Pacific seeks to continue to lead into the future, it does so with the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) in its corner.
“As a member of the AAAA, we align ourselves with an industry body that champions innovation, education, and collaboration within the automotive industry,” says Aileen.
“Through our membership, we gain valuable insights into market trends, access to regulatory updates, and opportunities to connect with industry peers. These benefits support our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction in the automotive aftermarket.”
When she isn’t at the office, Aileen can be found prioritising time with loved ones.
“My partner Bruce and I are fortunate to have a holiday home down the Mornington Peninsula near the ocean, where we spend many weekends, especially during the summer. It is the perfect place to unwind, enjoy coastal walks, and spend quality time with friends who love the opportunity to come and stay. I also enjoy walking and hiking and have a passion for travel,” she said.
“Family is important to me. Bruce has been a constant source of support and beyond watching countless car shows and chewing my ear off most nights about cars, he is a phenomenal person. I’m and I’m fortunate to have three amazing stepchildren and my wider family in New Zealand who I try to visit as often as possible although I could always do better in this regard!
“Maintaining those close connections with family keeps me grounded and reminds me of what matters most.”

To learn more about GPC Asia Pacific, visit www.gpcasiapac.com