Alain Masse named new president of UAP Inc.

Montreal, QC – Alain Masse has been appointed president of UAP Inc.

Masse, who has been with UAP since 2011, stepped in at the end of 2014 to lead all corporate functions for UAP’s Auto Parts Division as well as the Heavy Vehicle Parts Division.

UAP operates a network of more than 600 NAPA and CMAX part stores with nine distribution centers. It is a fully-owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company (GPC).

Masse’s appointment as UAP president, effective Sept. 1, 2015, ends a period of transition following the departure of Robert Hattem as UAP president late last year.

According to a company press release, GPC has worked closely with UAP over the past few months, to “effect positive organizational changes to ensure that UAP remains the dominant player in the Canadian industry, for both its Auto Parts and Heavy Vehicle Parts divisions.”

Kevin Herron, GPC’s senior vice president, Auto Parts Group for USA and Canada, described Masse as an experienced leader with a proven track record for delivering results.

“He has a broad understanding of UAP’s business, having worked successfully in its Auto Parts and Heavy Vehicle Parts Divisions,” he said. “He has helped implement many of the changes within the organization to improve its performance. I am confident that Alain will lead UAP to execute the company’s strategies efficiently and deliver outstanding service to our customers.”

Masse joined UAP in 2011 as executive vice president of the Heavy Vehicle Parts Division (HVPD) and was promoted two years later to executive vice president for NAPA Operations.

Prior to joining UAP, he had acquired experience as independent business owner, which led him to the Cantrex Group, where he was president and general manager for over five years.

“I am honored to serve as President of UAP,” Masse said. “UAP is evolving into a dynamic, faster growing, and better performing organization.”

He said 2015 has been a very good year for UAP.
“Together with the UAP team, our business partners and our loyal customers, I look forward to further strengthening our position as the number one market share leader in Canada.”

UAP also announced that John Buckley has been promoted to the position of executive vice president for Napa Canada. Last June, Pierre Rachiele was named executive vice president, Heavy Vehicle Parts Division. They will both report to Alain Masse.