Global electrical distributor Sonepar Group, Paris, France, has appointed Paul Klasing as president of Sonepar USA, effective Jan. 1, 2009. Klasing succeeds Tony Burr who has been appointed to a new global role focusing on strategic initiatives for the Sonepar Group.
Partnering with Hagemeyer North America CEO Dave Gabriel in the U.S. market and enjoying the ongoing support of Tony Burr, I am confident that the Sonepar USA operations will continue to thrive under Paul’s leadership,”said Sonepar Group COO Frank Lakerveld.
Sonepar bought Hagemeyer’s North American operations earlier this year.
Klasing joined Sonepar on Sept. 1, 2008. Before Sonepar, Klasing was executive vice president, Stores, at Advance Auto Parts, where he worked for 13 years, leading 3,000 company-owned store operations of retail stores in the U.S.
In his new role, Burr will support group activities related to strategic and synergy opportunities between Sonepar’s businesses around the world.