Walter Lamothe: A Retail Icon to be Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
R
etail Council of Canada (RCC) is thrilled to announce that Walter Lamothe, President & CEO of Bentley & Co LTD and a retail industry veteran with an illustrious career spanning more than four decades, will be the recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
This special recognition is part of the Excellence in Retailing Awards of Distinction program, which celebrates outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the retail industry.
From Welder to Retail Trailblazer: Lamothe's Inspiring Journey
Walter Lamothe's passion for retail was ignited at the age of 17 when he was working as a welder in Alberta. His journey began as a stock boy at a Jack Fraser store in Edmonton, earning just $3 an hour. By 21, he had risen to become the Manager of a Tip Top Tailors store in Hull, Quebec. Lamothe's career continued to flourish as he joined Shirmax, eventually becoming Director of Stores. His exceptional management skills were recognized during the company's 1993 filing, leading to his promotion as Executive Vice President of Operations, a position he held until 2002.Leading Iconic Brands to Success
Throughout his remarkable career, Walter Lamothe has held leadership roles at several prominent Canadian retail companies: - MEXX Canada (2002-2011): Lamothe joined as President in 2004 and became President & CEO in 2007. - Reitmans Canada (2011-2016): He held various leadership positions before being appointed President and CEO in 2014, overseeing the entire Reitmans brand portfolio. - Bentley & Co LTD (2018-present): As President & CEO, Lamothe successfully restructured the company under new ownership just months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, severely impacting the travel industry. He navigated the company through lockdowns and economic turbulence, driving innovation by introducing new product lines during this challenging period.A Testament to Dedication and Resilience
"Walter's illustrious and long career serves as a testament to his steadfast dedication to the Canadian retail industry," noted Diane J. Brisebois, President & CEO of Retail Council of Canada. "His ability to navigate through challenges with resilience and creativity, coupled with his passion for innovation, are undeniable proof of his unwavering commitment to excellence. Even through the COVID-19 challenges, Walter extended a lending hand to RCC and our team, always ready to help support the industry and our hard-working retail employees across Canada. We have all benefitted from his kindness and generosity!"Celebrating Excellence at the Awards Gala
The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Walter Lamothe at Retail Council of Canada's Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on May 28, 2024, at the Toronto Congress Centre from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. The Gala will close the first day of RCC STORE 24, Canada's biggest retail conference, which will feature over 75 speakers and attract retail leaders from across North America and around the globe. To purchase Gala tickets, visit https://retailawards.ca/buy-tickets/.
✔️ Walter Lamothe: A Retail Icon to be Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
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