BOUCHERVILLE, Quebec – Richard Roy, president and chief executive officer of Uni-Select Inc. has announced a new organizational structure for its North American automotive business. The new structure is effective immediately. 
Gary O’Connor, executive vice president, who was responsible for the Canadian division of Uni-Select has been given the responsibility of managing the business with independent distributors and major accounts for all of North America. O’Connor is a veteran of the industry having served for more than 30 years with several manufacturers of the automotive aftermarket industry.
Willi Alexander is promoted to the newly created position of executive vice president for corporate stores in the United States. In his new role, he is responsible for all aspects of the business serving installers through Uni-Select’s network of company-owned stores. Alexander is a well-known figure in the industry also having 30 years of experience in the distribution business. He has served as regional vice president at Uni-Select USA since 2008. Alexander is the current chairman of Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA).
James Buzzard is appointed to the newly-created position of senior vice president, corporate development USA. In this new role, Buzzard will be responsible for Uni-Select’s acquisition efforts within the United States. Jim has more than 35 years experience in the automotive aftermarket having been part, for the last five years, of Uni-Select’s senior management team. His extensive knowledge of the industry, as well as his vast network, make him uniquely qualified to occupy this position. Buzzard is a past board member of AWDA and is a past chairman of Independent Auto Parts of America (IAPA).
“This new structure will support the ambitious development plan of Uni-Select for the coming years and provide added focus to the areas of growth that we intend to pursue: acquisitions, corporate stores and businesses with independent distributors and major accounts,” said Roy. “We are confident that our strong team lead by these dynamic individuals will continue to serve our customers in the very best way possible.”
