Grainger (NYSE: GWW), Chicago, IL, announced that COO DG Macpherson will replace Jim Ryan as president and CEO on Oct. 1. The announcement followed a multiyear CEO succession process. Macpherson became COO in 2015 as part of this process; no replacement COO will be named.
Ryan, the fourth CEO in the company's 89-year history, spent 36 years at Grainger, including eight as CEO.
"I've been privileged to work at Grainger for my entire career," Ryan said. "This is a company full of smart, hard-working, committed and service-oriented people. I have always felt a significant sense of responsibility to help Grainger succeed so our teammates and customers can be successful. I've worked with DG for many years, and I'm confident that he is the right person for this job and now is the right time for this transition."
