MONTREAL — Pierre Vezina will retire as national general manager of the furniture, appliances and bedding division of Cantrex Group, probably at the end of this year after a successor has been appointed.


In a letter to Cantrex members and suppliers, Alain Masse, the group’s president and general manager, praised Vezina’s “indelible legacy” built over 18 years at the fee-for-service buying and marketing organization.

Vezina held a variety of positions within Cantrex, including manager of the Kit-A-Tout banner, director of purchasing, and manager of merchandising and marketing before taking up his current post.

“He has been one of the principal architects of the strategic direction Cantrex has taken in recent years,” Masse said.

He said Vezina will aid in the selection of his successor and stay on to ensure there is a smooth transition. The search has already begun, Masse said, adding the candidate will more than likely come from outside the company.

He also said Vezina is expected to continue to work with Cantrex on a project basis.