By SEMA Editors
Adrian Murray, a longtime automotive aftermarket industry
professional, has passed away. Murray served on the SEMA Board of Directors from 2010-2012.
"Adrian Murray was an exceptional member of the automotive aftermarket. Serving alongside Adrian on the Custom Automotive Network (CAN) Board of Directors was an incredible professional and personal experience. His passion and enthusiasm for our industry go unsurpassed. He will be greatly missed by many, and SEMA extends its condolences to the Murray family," said Denise Waddingham, SEMA council director.
Murray began his career in the automotive aftermarket as a territory manager in Los Angeles for Federal-Mogul in 1978. After transferring to Fort Worth, Texas, as a heavy-duty specialist in 1982, he returned to Los Angeles in 1988 to accept a position as national sales manager for Edelbrock, a position he held until he was named vice president of sales in 1992.
In 1998, Murray joined Painless Performance Products, then known as Painless Wiring, as vice president of sales. In 2003, he acquired an ownership stake and became president, leading the company until his retirement in 2020.
Adrian Murray (right) joined Painless Performance Products in 1998 as vice president of sales before acquiring an ownership stake and becoming president in 2003.
Under Adrian's leadership, Painless was named Manufacturer of the Year by the Performance Warehouse Association (PWA), now known as the CAN, in 2002 and was among the three finalists for this prestigious award in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. PWA also selected Murray as Person of the Year in 2002 and 2009, while CAN named him Person of the Year in 2018.
Murray served on the CAN Board of Directors from 2019-2020.