Leon's Furniture Ltd. President & CEO, Terry Leon, named Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year by Retail Council of Canada

TORONTO, May 6, 2015 /CNW/ - Retail Council of Canada (RCC) announced today that Mr. Terry Leon, President & CEO of Leon's Furniture Limited, will be the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year Award. 

"We are thrilled to recognize and honour Mr. Leon for his retail vision, passion and leadership in Canada," said Diane J. Brisebois, President & CEO, Retail Council of Canada. "Under Mr. Leon's guidance, the family business that began over a century ago has continued to flourish and enjoy a leading market position in the retail industry," added Ms. Brisebois.

Mr. Leon has been the Chief Executive Officer of Leon's Furniture Ltd. since May 2005 and its President since May 2002. He held various positions within the company, and was appointed Corporate Counsel in 1984, and Vice President, CFO and Secretary in 1989. When Leon's Furniture Ltd. completed its acquisition of The Brick on March 28, 2013, he became the CEO for both divisions and continued with responsibilities as President of the Leon's division. He is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada.

"The theme for Leon's Furniture's most recent annual meeting was 'Leading Together' which is indicative of the team spirit and collaborative approach embraced by the industry's 2015 Distinguished Canadian Retailer Award recipient.  The Company's inclusive approach is also reflected in the Leon's Associates commitment to communities and people across Canada, thus making him a great ambassador for retail in Canada," said Ms. Brisebois.

The Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award, sponsored by MasterCard, recognizes a retail leader who has led his/her company to outstanding business success and who has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the communities they operate within. 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. Leon's joins a long line of passionate merchants across Canada receiving the award, including Harry Rosen, Canadian Tire Corporation and Aritzia.

The Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award will be presented to Mr. Leon at the Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on June 2, 2015.  For further information and to purchase tickets: RetailAwards.ca

The Gala, taking place at STORE 2015, Canada's largest retail conference, will take place at the Toronto Congress Centre from 6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET.  Media are invited to attend STORE 2015, June 2-3, 2015.  For further information: STOREconference.ca

About Retail Council of Canada (RCC)

Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is the Voice of Retail in Canada representing more than 45,000 store fronts of all retail formats, including department, specialty, discount, and independent stores, and online merchants in general merchandise, grocery and drugs.  Its membership represents over 75% of all retail sales in Canada.  RCC is a strong advocate for retailing in Canada and works with all levels of government and other stakeholders to support employment growth and career opportunities in retail, to promote and sustain retail investments in communities from coast-to-coast, and to enhance consumer choice and industry competitiveness. RCC also provides its members with a full range of services and programs including education and training, benchmarking and best practices, networking, advocacy, and industry information. RetailCouncil.org  @RetailCouncil  @RCCMySTORE

SOURCE Retail Council of Canada

Colin Asuncion, Retail Council of Canada, [email protected], 416.467.3782