Heartland Automotive announces new CEO

Heartland Automotive Services Inc., a portfolio company of Rosemont's Wynnchurch Capital LLC said it has appointed Jeff Balagna as chief executive officer.

With more than 35 years of experience, Balagna is a seasoned executive with broad management expertise. His career spans multiple industries and includes stints at prominent brands including Medtronic, General Electric, Ford, Eli Lilly, Sears and Carlson Companies.

Balagna has served as CEO of Friday's Restaurants, Carlson Marketing, Sears Auto Centers and Sears Home Services. Additionally, he has held C-level positions at Medtronic and Eli Lilly, and senior executive roles at General Electric and Ford Motor Company.

"I am delighted about the opportunity to serve as chief executive officer of Heartland Automotive and to partner with the Wynnchurch team," Balagna said. "As part of the Jiffy Lube organization, the company has unmatched brand value in the industry. I am looking forward to working with such a dedicated team and executing on our value creation initiatives together."

John Hatherly, comanaging partner at Wynnchurch said, "We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Jeff. Jeff, the former CEO of Sears Automotive Services, brings significant industry and operational expertise which we feel will allow him to take Heartland to the next level in delivering exceptional value for Heartland's customers."

Heartland, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, operates 523 stores across 26 states. The company has grown to be the largest operator and franchisee of the highly-recognizable Jiffy Lube brand. Wynnchurch Capital LLC, headquartered in Rosemont has offices in California and Canada and is a middle-market private equity investment firm.