CEO Robert Dutton Leaves RONA After 35 Years of Service

BOUCHERVILLE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Nov. 9, 2012) - RONA inc. (RON.TO)(RON-PA.TO), the largest distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products in Canada, has announced that Mr. Robert Dutton is stepping down as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director of the Corporation.

Mr. Dominique Boies, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer will be acting CEO. The Board of Directors has given a mandate to the firm Korn/Ferry International to find a successor to Mr. Dutton.

Mr. Dutton joined RONA in 1977 and became President and Chief Executive Officer in 1992. Under his direction, RONA expanded beyond its original market, which had until then been limited to Quebec, and became the leader in the Canadian home improvement market. During Mr. Dutton's twenty years at the helm, RONA's consolidated sales increased from $450 million to over $4.8 billion and the RONA chain grew from less than 500 affiliated stores to over 800 corporate, franchised and affiliated stores. Under Mr. Dutton's direction, RONA has become a recognized leader in sustainable development in Canada.

"Robert was a pioneer and has been an inspiration for generations of merchants, managers and employees at RONA, said Robert Paré, Chairman of the Board. The Board wishes to express its gratitude for his enormous contribution to the Corporation's development. We wish him every success in his future endeavours.

"We are proud of the 30,000 employees who represent RONA across Canada and we are confident that they will continue to offer excellent service to the millions of consumers who frequent our stores daily", added Mr. Paré.

About RONA

RONA is the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products. The Corporation operates a network of over 800 corporate, franchise and affiliate retail stores of various sizes and formats under several banners, and a network of 14 hardware and construction materials distribution centres which are flexible and perfectly adapted to the diverse needs of its clientele. RONA is also a leader in the specialized plumbing and HVAC market, primarily serving commercial and professional customers with a network of close to 60 sales outlets and four distribution centres across the country.

In total, RONA supplies nearly 1,500 sales outlets, of which over 800 are under one of its banners, as well as close to 600 clients, independent dealers, in its distribution network. With close to 30,000 employees working under its family of banners in every region of Canada, the RONA store network generates consolidated sales of $4.8 billion and over $6 billion taking into account the total impact of the retail sales of franchise dealers, affiliates and other independent dealers who buy their supplies at RONA. For more information, please visit www.rona.ca.