LOVELAND, Ohio, November 20, 2006 -- xpedx today announced the appointment of Fred Towler as vice president-Procurement. Towler will further develop procurement strategies and work closely with xpedx marketing, logistics, finance, and purchasing groups for the benefit of xpedx and its suppliers. He will report to Art Douville, executive vice president-Sales and Operations, and will be based at the company's headquarters in Loveland, Ohio. xpedx is North America's largest marketer and distributor of printing papers and graphics supplies and equipment, as well as a major distributor of packaging and facility supplies and equipment. It has more than 250 locations across the U.S. and Mexico. "Fred brings extensive experience and knowledge of the distribution business and the company's supply chain strategies," Douville said. "His leadership in procurement will serve us well as we continue to identify procurement, sourcing and supplier partnership efficiencies. He will also help develop strategies to ensure we operate in a cost-effective manner while meeting the needs of our customers." A 20-year employee of International Paper, Towler most recently served as director, Global Sourcing-Corporate Services at IP's Memphis headquarters. He has also worked for xpedx, as group vice president-Administration for the company's Pacific Group, and as vice president- Administration for its Northeast Region. He is the 2006 National Paper Trade Association Alliance Chairman and has also chaired the NPTA's Young Leaders Division. "xpedx has made substantial progress in recent years deepening its relationships with key suppliers," Towler said. "I look forward to working with the xpedx team across the U.S. and Mexico to help further strengthen these relationships."