Sonepar USA Names Klasing President

Sonepar USA (Philadelphia): Paul Klasing has been named 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. Klasing joined Sonepar on Sept. 1, 2008. Prior to Sonepar, Klasing was executive vice president, Stores, at Advance Auto Parts, where he worked for 13 years, leading 3,000 company-owned retail store operations in the U.S. His experience in the automotive industry gave Klasing strong expertise in merchandising and store operations. Burr has been asked to support group activities related to strategic and synergy opportunities among Sonepar’s businesses around the world. Burr will continue to reside in Philadelphia.