Grainger names Ryan chairman of the board

W.W. Grainger's CEO and president James T. Ryan is promoted to chairman of the board, replacing Richard L. Keyser, who was named chairman emeritus

Victoria Fraza Kickham -- Industrial Distribution, 4/29/2009 1:44:53 PM

W. W. Grainger, Inc. announced Tuesday that CEO and president James T. Ryan will add the title and responsibilities of chairman of the board, effective immediately. He is succeeding Richard L. Keyser, who was named chairman emeritus and remains a member of the company's board of directors. Both men are standing for election to Grainger's board of directors Wednesday, April 29, 2009."Jim becomes chairman at a time that Grainger is poised to deliver even greater returns for its shareholders. He brings energy, discipline and passion to a company dedicated to providing great customer service. Jim's depth of industry experience and tenure with the company position him to lead Grainger into the future," Keyser said in a news release.Ryan was named CEO in June of 2008 and named chief operating officer and appointed to the board of directors in February 2007. He became president of Grainger in 2006.