LKQ Corporation Appoints Salvatore A. Abbate as President and Chief Executive Officer
Key Highlights
- ➤LKQ appoints Salvatore A. Abbate CEO effective December 15, 2026
- ➤Justin Jude departs LKQ effective immediately
- ➤LKQ establishes interim CEO office led by John Mendel and Sue Gove
- ➤Abbate previously led Veritiv’s $2.6 billion sale to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
- ➤Abbate intends to improve LKQ performance through disciplined execution and accountability
Expert Statements
John Mendel, Chairman of the Board of LKQ Corporation
“After a thorough search, the Board concluded that Sal is the right leader for LKQ at this moment.”
John Mendel, Chairman of the Board of LKQ Corporation
“He is a disciplined operator and people-centered leader, who has transformed a complex distribution business, improved margins and created significant value for shareholders.”
John Mendel, Chairman of the Board of LKQ Corporation
“Sal brings the operating rigor, commercial instincts and sense of urgency we need to sharpen execution across our businesses and unlock the full potential of LKQ.”
John Mendel, Chairman of the Board of LKQ Corporation
“On behalf of the Board, I also want to thank Justin for his years of service and contributions to LKQ.”
Salvatore A. Abbate, President and Chief Executive Officer-designate of LKQ Corporation
“LKQ is an exceptional company, with unmatched scale, leading market positions and a deep bench of talented people.”
Salvatore A. Abbate, President and Chief Executive Officer-designate of LKQ Corporation
“There is meaningful opportunity to improve performance, and I intend to move quickly.”
Salvatore A. Abbate, President and Chief Executive Officer-designate of LKQ Corporation
“That starts with listening to our customers and teams, fostering a culture where our people can succeed and thrive, driving disciplined execution across every region and holding ourselves accountable for results.”
Salvatore A. Abbate, President and Chief Executive Officer-designate of LKQ Corporation
“I’m honored to lead LKQ and look forward to working with the Board and the team to build a stronger, more profitable company.”
ANTIOCH, Tenn., Oct. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LKQ Corporation (Nasdaq: LKQ) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Salvatore A. “Sal” Abbate as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective December 15, 2026. He succeeds Justin Jude, who is departing the Company effective today. Until Mr. Abbate assumes the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, the Company has established an interim Office of the Chief Executive Officer to provide ongoing leadership continuity, consisting of John Mendel, Chairman of the Board, and Sue Gove, Chair of LKQ’s Audit Committee. The Office of the Chief Executive Officer will work closely with LKQ’s leadership teams and management in overseeing the Company’s operations during the interim period.
Mr. Abbate brings more than three decades of experience leading large, complex distribution and industrial businesses. As CEO of Veritiv Corporation, he led a significant transformation of the company, with its share price increasing more than 13-fold during his tenure, culminating in its $2.6 billion sale to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in 2023. Before becoming CEO, he served as Veritiv’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Commercial Officer. Earlier in his career, Mr. Abbate held senior leadership roles at Andersen Windows & Doors, Solutia, Inc., now part of Eastman Chemical Company, and Armstrong World Industries, with responsibilities spanning sales, marketing, distribution, logistics, manufacturing, strategy and process improvement.
Get started
Create a free account to read the full story.