Uni-Select’s Linda Donnini Receives Young Leader of the Year Award

The Automotive Industries Association has announced that Linda Donnini, senior director of marketing for Uni-Select’s Canadian Automotive Group, is this year’s winner of the prestigious Young Executive Society (YES) Young Leader of the Year Award.

The award will be presented during the Volunteer Luncheon, being held in Toronto at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites on April 26th, 2012 at 11:30 am.

This is the fifth year that the YES Alumni Selection Committee has recognized an outstanding employee for their dedication to the industry, their leadership and innovation. The Young Executive of the Year Award was created in 2007 by the Young Executive Society Committee to provide member organizations with an opportunity to recognize an employee who has made an impact on their company, the community and the industry.

In 2010, the YES Alumni were asked to act as the body to oversee the criteria, solicit nominations and make the final selection.

As the senior director of marketing for Uni-Select’s Canadian Automotive Group, Donnini is responsible for all installer programs and banners across Canada, as well as all marketing and communication initiatives across North America.

Donnini has extensive experience in marketing and has occupied several management positions in the last 16 years within the automotive, manufacturing and retail industries. Her career began in fashion retail but she was quickly recruited into the manufacturing and distribution of electrical parts. This experience provided a stepping stone in her career, allowing her to build and strengthen her business knowledge for 5 years. In 2011, she completed the Executive Program (CIREM) at HEC Montreal University, a program designed for experienced managers with high potential who form the executive succession. She has now been in the automotive aftermarket for over 10 years, and continues to thrive in this sector.

“Linda’s leadership, professionalism and her extensive knowledge of the market as well as her commitment to customer service have earned the respect from industry peers,” stated John MacDonald, a member of the YES Alumni Committee and the AIA second vice chairman for the board of directors. “Her strong business acumen, combined with her extensive technical background have both helped shape the very accomplished business executive she is today. Linda is passionate about AIA and has given her time to numerous committees and programs the Association offers; the BCCA Committee, the Motorist Assurance Program, the Market Research Committee and the AIA Board of Directors.”

Donnini holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Concordia University, with a major in mathematics and a minor in business administration. She has been involved with, and has managed several political campaigns and is a proud founding member of the Villa Maria Foundation. Born and raised in Montreal and of Italian descent, Donnini now resides on Nun’s Island and enjoys the multi-cultural feel of the urban city.