(Mar. 5) Stock Building Supply, an affiliate of The Gores Group, has hired Nigel Stobart as VP sales. Stobart will lead Stock’s sales teams, as well as sales-related initiatives.

Stobart has been serving as strategic adviser to Raleigh, N.C.-based Stock in connection with its process improvement initiatives.

“I am very excited to join Stock at such an important and exciting point in its history,” Stobart said in a prepared statement. “Every sale starts with fulfilling a customer’s need. I have been impressed with the significant efforts Stock has taken in the sales arena and look forward to further sharpening the company’s focus. I have dedicated a significant portion of my career to supporting the sales process and know that our efforts will strengthen our position as an independent, stand-alone company with a sound strategy.”

Stobart most recently served as senior VP and chief operating officer for Wire One Communications in Pennsylvania. In this role, he led restructuring initiatives and managed the service and product operations, as well as the human resources team.

Prior to Wire One, he served as senior director of sales operations for the professional business group at Gateway. Before that, he was with Bain & Co., advising his clients on mission-critical projects. Stobart holds a bachelor of economics and a law degree from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, as well as an MBA from the University of Chicago. Before attending business school, Stobart held positions with law firms in Melbourne and London.

"He brings tremendous experience, and we are fortunate to have him lead this critical function," said Stock CEO Joe Appelmann.