Retail Council of Canada honours Stephen Wetmore with 2013 Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award

TORONTO, May 8, 2013 /CNW/ - Retail Council of Canada (RCC) announced today that Stephen Wetmore, President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited, will be honoured with the 2013 Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award.

"We are delighted and honoured to recognize Stephen Wetmore's vision and leadership at the helm of this iconic and successful Canadian retail company," says Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO, RCC. "Under Stephen's direction, Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited has continued to focus on growth, innovation and the customer experience and has proven to be a force to contend with in a hyper-competitive global retail market.  Known for its commitment to local communities, under Stephen's leadership, Canadian Tire has continued its impressive track record of supporting vital programs and activities for the benefit of Canadians".

The Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award recognizes a retail leader who has led his/her company to outstanding business success and innovation and who has consistently demonstrated community commitment and support. The recipient is seen as a role model because of his/her exceptional leadership within the corporation, in the retail industry in Canada and in the community at large, through personal and/or corporate philanthropic activities.

The Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award will be presented to Mr. Wetmore at the Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on Tuesday, June 4, 2013.  The Gala, part of STORE 2013 - Canada's Retail Conference, will take place at the Toronto Congress Centre from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

About Stephen Wetmore

Stephen Wetmore was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited in January, 2009. The breadth and depth of Stephen's experience has been shaped by his varied executive responsibilities. With many years of experience working in Europe, as well as coast to coast in Canada, Stephen has been responsible for regional, national and international business operations. He has successfully created new and market-changing organizations, built brands, managed relationships and distribution channels and throughout all of his roles has demonstrated a passion for customer service and innovation.

In addition to serving as an independent member of the Board of Directors of Canadian Tire since 2003, Stephen has served on numerous public company Boards and educational and charitable organizations across Canada.    Mr. Wetmore was also recently named 18th on the Globe and Mail's 50 Most Powerful People in Canadian Sport,   on the heels of Canadian Tire Corporation's partnership with the Canadian Olympic Team. Mr. Wetmore is married with one daughter.

About Retail Council of Canada

Retail Council of Canada is the Voice of Retail in Canada. Founded in 1963, RCC is a not-for-profit, industry-funded association representing more than 45,000 store fronts of all retail formats across Canada, including department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent stores, and online merchants. We speak for an industry that touches the daily lives of Canadians in every corner of the country — by providing jobs, career opportunities, and by investing in communities.

Media are invited to attend STORE 2013.

SOURCE: Retail Council of Canada

Devon Pool
Retail Council of Canada
416 922-6678 ext. 241
[email protected]