NORCROSS, Ga.--Feb. 14, 2005--Unisource Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading distributors of paper, packaging and facility supplies in North America, has named James M. Lynde senior vice president of human resources. He will report to Allan Dragone, CEO of Unisource. "Jim Lynde's broad leadership experience in developing and implementing best practice human resources programs throughout an organization will enhance our efforts in establishing Unisource as the nation's leader in the distribution business," said Dragone. "As a member of the senior leadership team, he will work directly with me and partner with the presidents of Unisource's strategic business units to design and execute plans that support our growth initiatives through the development, performance, retention and recruitment of our employees." Lynde has more than 23 years of experience in human resources, including performance management, strategic and process planning, executive succession planning, organizational development, labor relations, compensation and benefits, and employee self-service implementation. Prior to joining Unisource, Lynde most recently served as senior vice president of human resources and people at Darden Restaurant, Inc.'s Red Lobster division. He was also vice president of human resources for Westin Hotels & Resorts, and earlier in his career held several positions in human resources at Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Lynde received a master's of science degree in labor and industrial relations from the University of Oregon, and a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California at Riverside. He is a certified compensation professional.