James Mitarotonda and Michael Odell named to Pep Boys' board

James A. Mitarotonda has been appointed non-executive Chairman of Pep Boys Auto Services' non-executive Board of Directors. Mitarotonda's appointment follows on the heels of William Leonard's resignation, and is effective immediately. The company also announced that Chief Executive Officer Michael R. Odell has been appointed to its Board of Directors. Odell has been serving as Pep Boys’ Interim CEO since April 23, 2008.

"I am pleased to accept the responsibility of chairing the board as Pep Boys strives to be the automotive solutions provider of choice for the value-oriented customer," says Mitarotonda. "On behalf of all of our directors, I also want to welcome Mike Odell to the boardroom. He and his leadership team have the board's full support. Finally, the board would like to thank Bill Leonard for his stewardship of Pep Boys. During his tenure, he has served Pep Boys faithfully in whatever capacity was needed."

In commenting on his resignation from the board, Leonard said, "I am grateful for having had the opportunity to serve Pep Boys over the last six years as a director, interim CEO and chairman."

Mitarotonda has served on Pep Boys' board since August 2006 and is the chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Barington Capital Group, L.P., an investment firm that he co-founded in 1991. He is also a member of the board of directors of A. Schulman, Inc. and Griffon Corporation. Collectively with the other members of a Schedule 13D reporting group, Barington is Pep Boys' largest shareholder.

Odell joined Pep Boys in September 2007 as executive vice president and chief operating officer after spending 13 years at Sears Holdings Corp. His last position at Sears was as executive vice president and general manager of Sears Retail & Specialty Stores.

For more information about Pep Boys, visit the company's Web site.