Executive changes bolster Wholesale Tire growth plan

A familiar face in a new role and a new player on the team will bolster the growth plans of Wholesale Tire Inc., principal Allan Bishop has announced.
 
Gord Cullen will shoulder new responsibility as Vice President – Procurement and Logistics for Wholesale, effective July 4, 2011. Cullen, who joined the company in 2003, was the General Manager prior to his new posting.
 
Jonathon Karelse will join the executive team on July 4 in the new role of Vice President – Strategic Planning and Corporate Development, Bishop said. Karelse comes to Wholesale from Yokohama Tire (Canada) Inc. of Vancouver, where he was Business Unit Director for consumer products.
 
The changes are part of a plan to accelerate growth and streamline management at the 17-year-old company, said Bishop, and reaffirms Wholesale’s commitment to industry-leading service and market intelligence.
 
Cullen’s 23 years in the tire business, business degree from the University of Michigan and MBA from York University have given him a wide field of experience and the respect of his peers. His successful career in hockey prior to joining the business world and his 25 years in motorsports make him a familiar face in the industry.
 
Karelse, a marketing professional with a strong background in market analysis and development, managed increasing levels of responsibility in marketing, forecasting and market analysis since he joined Yokohama Canada in 2005. He also served on the Rubber Association of Canada’s Statistics Committee, acting as chair from 2008 to 2011. His is a graduate of the MIT Sloan School of Management’s Executive Management program.