NEW YORK, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The McGraw-Hill Companies announced today that it has appointed Finbarr O'Neill president of J.D. Power and Associates, effective Jan. 1. O'Neill succeeds Stephen C. Goodall, who is retiring after 30 years with the company.

O'Neill, 56, joined J.D. Power in March as senior vice president and general manager of international operations, with responsibility for the company's international development throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and Canada.

"Fin brings substantial business and management experience to his new role and shares a deep commitment to J.D. Power's principles of independence and integrity. He is extremely well prepared to enhance J.D. Power's role in bringing the voice of the customer to the forefront of decision-making in key global industries," said Glenn S. Goldberg, president of The McGraw-Hill Companies' Information & Media segment, which comprises J.D. Power and five other businesses. "I also want to recognize Steve Goodall's considerable contributions to J.D. Power's success over the last 30 years, in particular during his 12 years as president."

Prior to joining J.D. Power, Mr. O'Neill was a vice chairman and CEO of Reynolds and Reynolds, a global provider of dealership management software and services. He also has held positions as co-chairman, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales North America from 2003-2005 and president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America from 1998-2003. He joined Hyundai in 1985 as general counsel. Prior to that, he served as senior counsel for Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc., and from 1976 to 1983 he was an associate in the New York office of Skadden Arps, a national law firm.

O'Neill is a past board chairman of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers. He also has received numerous awards and accolades, including being a three-time Automotive All-Star winner, and the BrandWeek 2001 Marketer of the Year.

O'Neill earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Columbia University and a law degree from Fordham University School of Law, where he was an editor of the Law Review.

Goodall joined J.D. Power in 1978 and has served as president of J.D. Power since 1996. He will assist O'Neill in the leadership transition and work on various initiatives through April 1, 2009.

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2007 were $6.8 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

    J.D. Power and Associates Media Relations Contacts:
    John TewsPeter MarlowTroy, Mich.Westlake Village, Calif.
    (248) 312-4119             (805) 418-8834
    john.tews@jdpa.competer.marlow@jdpa.com

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com/corporate

SOURCE The McGraw-Hill Companies

Contact: J.D. Power and Associates Media Relations Contacts: John Tews Peter Marlow Troy, Mich. Westlake Village, Calif. (248) 312-4119 (805) 418-8834 john.tews@jdpa.com peter.marlow@jdpa.com