Why This Matters to Distributors: The hire puts a former independent distributor executive in charge of member support at one of the country’s largest independent distribution collectives.
AFFLINK, a Tuscaloosa, Alabama-based national collective of independent distributors and suppliers, named John Carr as vice president of distribution, effective March 30, the company announced April 15.
Carr will report directly to Michael Wilson, president and chief executive officer. In the role, he will oversee AFFLINK’s member support functions, including internal and regional teams, customer care, and national and strategic accounts.
Carr comes to AFFLINK from HD Supply, where he served as a regional sales director. Before HD Supply, he spent a decade as vice president of sales and marketing at Northern Colorado Paper, a former AFFLINK member, a background Wilson cited as central to the hire.
“John understands our members intimately because he was one,” Wilson said. “His experience in both the independent channel and large national organizations gives him a perspective that is critical to our continued growth.”
Carr said his time as an AFFLINK member shaped his view of what independent distributors need from a collective. “Having previously been an AFFLINK member, I’ve experienced firsthand the value this organization brings,” he said. “I approach this role with a strong desire to listen and learn — building trust, understanding each member’s unique business and identifying opportunities to drive success together.”
AFFLINK connects more than 250 manufacturers of industrial packaging, facility maintenance, food service, safety, and office supply solutions with more than 300 independent distributors. The organization is a subsidiary of Performance Food Group. Earlier this year AFFLINK said it had added approximately $1 billion in top-line revenue, citing that growth as evidence of its position as the largest independent packaging group in the country.
Do not miss any content from Distribution Strategy Group. Join our list.
Share this article:
