MONTREAL — Canadian tire distributor Groupe Touchette Inc. has named industry veteran Francis Lalonde as vice president, supply chain.
According to the distributor, Lalonde has held several position during his career, with experience in operations management, distribution, procurement and transportation. The company said he " will support Groupe Touchette's supply chain development goals and contribute to the company's ongoing growth."
Lalonde, a native of Quebec, previously served in several senior management positions, including regional vice president of operations for Quebec and Atlantic Canada at Sysco Canada; vice president of transportation at Wal-Mart Canada; and chief commercial officer at KNNX.
Nicolas Touchette, co-owner and CEO of Groupe Touchette, said Lalonde "possesses a unique ability to engage directly with all stakeholders, providing an accurate assessment of the situation and ultimately making the best decisions for the organization. He possesses excellent business acumen, and we are confident that he will help sustain our growth and prepare us for the challenges ahead.
Lalonde holds degrees from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), and has earned an executive certificate in management and leadership from MIT Sloan School of Management.
Lalonde said he is eager to work with the Groupe Touchette team as well as "contribute to the success of a company renowned for its operational expertise, inspiring journey, and deep respect for its employees."
Touchette Retail & Commercial, a business unit of Canada's Groupe Touchette tire distributorship, recently acquired Pneus Bélisle, a tire retailer of passenger, commercial, civil engineering, industrial and agricultural tires, as well as a retreader, in Quebec.
