Uni-Select Reorganizes Corporate Management Structure

Following the sale of its Uni-Select Automotive USA and Beck/Arnley businesses to Icahn Enterprises L.P., Uni-Select Inc. has announced a reorganization of its corporate management activities. The company said this transaction changes the landscape of Uni-Select in North America and provides an excellent platform for Uni-Select to accelerate profitable growth within its two core businesses.

Uni-Select announced in a press release that the objective is to streamline and reduce the size of its corporate support functions. As a result, the role of vice president, corporate services and chief financial officer (CFO) will be transitioned into a more traditional financial role of CFO. Previously included in the Corporate Services function, Information Technology and Logistics will be moved into the Canadian operating business they serve. Moving forward, Uni-Select’s small corporate office team will consist of Corporate Finance, Legal Affairs, Human Resources and Mergers and Acquisitions.

“We are adjusting our overall corporate structure to focus some business functions back directly into the businesses they serve and, therefore, one step closer to our customers,” said Henry Buckley, chief operating officer and Uni-Select’s incoming president and CEO, effective Aug. 1.

In line with this restructuring, current Uni-Select President and CEO Richard G. Roy, announced that Denis Mathieu, vice president, corporate services and CFO, has decided to leave Uni-Select and pursue other professional endeavors. In order to provide continued support and ensure an efficient transition, Mathieu will remain with Uni-Select through July 31.

Mathieu joined Uni-Select in March 2007 as vice president and CFO. He was appointed executive vice president, corporate services and CFO in August 2012. In the past few years, he has played a key role in the SAP implementation and in the acquisition of FinishMaster.

“Denis is a talented executive and we thank him for his many contributions during the past eight years. We appreciate the leadership he displayed in helping Uni-Select successfully close the sale of Automotive USA and Beck/Arnley activities to Icahn Enterprises L.P.,” said Roy.

Uni-Select said that in the upcoming weeks it will concentrate on appointing a new CFO while propelling the organization toward accelerating profitable growth in its core markets both organically and through select acquisitions.

Federated Auto Parts Distributors announced it is entering into a collaboration with the Association of Independent Oil Distributors (AIOD) – one it said will focus on mutual benefits for the respective members.

“Federated is constantly looking at ways to improve value for all constituents and this agreement provides that,” said Sue Godschalk, president of Federated. “This collaboration provides added volume and opportunities for our suppliers, new partners for our members, and added supply points and products for shop customers. We have enjoyed working closely with several AIOD members in the past and this agreement will expand and create further opportunities for both Federated and AIOD.”