Best Buy Canada's Ron Wilson named RCC's Excellence in Retailing 2019 Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year
Steadfast commitment to Innovation and Customer Care builds retailer's impact and business success
TORONTO, April 24, 2019 /CNW/ - Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is honoured to announce that Best Buy Canada's President, Ron Wilson, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2019 Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year.
The Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year Award recognizes a retail leader that has led his/her company to outstanding business success and innovation and has consistently demonstrated community commitment and support. The recipient is 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.
Ron Wilson is president of international for Best Buy Co. Inc. In this role, he guides the vision and strategic direction for the company's operations in Canada and Mexico.
Mr. Wilson began his career at Best Buy 28 years ago on the front lines of a Future Shop store in Edmonton, Alberta. Since then, he has worked in numerous leadership areas of the company, including merchandising, operations, marketing, and e-commerce.
Mr. Wilson is recognized by his peers in the Canadian retail industry for overseeing a strategic plan that resulted in the successful consolidation of Future Shop into the Best Buy brand and is moving the company towards providing a seamless omnichannel retail experience. His leadership has been instrumental in driving an exceptional in-store and in-home service, that is focused on building long-term relationships with customers.
Best Buy plays an important role in communities across Canada, using technology to enrich the education of young Canadians through its community programs. During Mr. Wilson's leadership the company has channeled over $5 million through countrywide Geek Squad Academy workshops, school technology grants and a relationship with the Boys and Girls' Club. Additionally, the company is committed to reducing e-waste offering free recycling services at its stores.
"RCC is excited to recognize Ron Wilson for his continued success in an ever-changing retail sector, for his leadership at Best Buy Canada and for supporting schools in building students' confidence and creativity - qualities that open doors to future possibilities," said Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO, Retail Council of Canada.
Best Buy Canada joins a distinguished list of past recipients from across Canada that includes Groupe Dynamite, Leon's Furniture, Harry Rosen, Canadian Tire, Aritzia, Indigo Books & Music, Staples Canada, Costco Wholesale Canada, La Senza, London Drugs and most recently, The Home Depot Canada.
The Distinguished Retailer of the Year Awards will be presented to Ron Wilson of Best Buy Canada at RCC's Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on May 28, 2019 at the Toronto Congress Centre, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm ET. For more information, visit: retailawards.ca/content/gala-tickets.
The Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala will close the first day of Canada's biggest retail conference, STORE 2019, which will feature more than 75 speakers and attract more than 2,000 retail leaders from across North America. Media are also invited to attend STORE 2019, from May 28 to May 29, 2019. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.storeconference.ca/tickets
About Best Buy Canada
Best Buy is one of Canada's largest and most successful retailers, operating the Best Buy (www.bestbuy.ca), Best Buy Mobile, and Geek Squad (www.geeksquad.ca) brands. The Company offers consumers a unique shopping experience with the latest technology and entertainment products, plus an expanded assortment of lifestyle products offered through www.bestbuy.ca.
About Retail Council of Canada
Retail is Canada's largest private sector employer with over 2.1 million Canadians working in our industry. The sector annually generates over $76 billion in wages and employee benefits. Core retail sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) were $375 billion in 2018. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) members represent more than two-thirds of core retail sales in the country. RCC is a not-for-profit industry-funded association that represents small, medium and large retail businesses in every community across the country. As the Voice of Retail™ in Canada, we proudly represent more than 45,000 storefronts in all retail formats, including department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers and online merchants. RetailCouncil.org
SOURCE Retail Council of Canada
Branka Stavric, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, [email protected], 416.467.3772, Retail Council of Canada
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