The Automotive Distribution Network has reaffirmed its commitment to providing its membership with a competitive advantage through state-of-the-art IT solutions with the recent hiring of Andy Schuurs, who will helm the group’s newly created position of director of e-commerce.

“Andy brings a wealth of knowledge to this position, in which he will oversee the tactical implementation of the Network’s online strategy, including retail, wholesale and wholesale fulfillment for national account customers,” said David Prater, president of the Network.

Prior to accepting this new role, Schuurs served 30 years in various positions involving software, SaaS and e-commerce – primarily in sales and management.

“I’ve marketed warehouse and business management systems to WDs and jobbers, as well as, e-Commerce products and services to groups, WDs, jobbers, dealers, heavy-duty dealers and aftermarket distributors and to independent repair facilities,” said Schuurs. “Over the past 14 years I’ve focused on e-commerce solutions; B2B, B2C and marketplace solutions such as eBay. This experience, along with my industry contacts and relationships with distributors inside and outside the group, will enable me to hit the ground running. Over the next three years, I plan to help grow the Network’s e-commerce business by 50 percent and develop exclusive new e-commerce products and services for the benefit of the group’s shareholders, members, affiliates and their customers.”