Grainger Promotes Ryan To President

W.W. Grainger (Lake Forest, Ill.): Grainger has announced several senior-level appointments in the last couple of weeks. James T. Ryan has been promoted to president of Grainger. The 25-year Grainger veteran has held many executive positions within the company including the president of the parts business, chief information officer, president of the company’s Internet business and most recently group president for the U.S. branch-based business. Y. C. Chen has been promoted to a newly created position as group president, responsible for Canada and Mexico. The company plans to grow and improve the businesses of Acklands-Grainger, the company’s Canadian operation, and Grainger S.A. de C.V., the company’s Mexican operation. Chen joined Grainger in 1996 as vice president for Asia Pacific, where he established the company’s global sourcing operation. He most recently served as senior vice president for the supply chain of the U.S. branch-based business. Deb Oler has been promoted to vice president, sales with responsibility for driving sales growth in the United States. Oler joined Grainger in May 2002 as regional sales vice president. Additionally, Kevin Peters has been promoted to senior vice president, supply chain with responsibility for product availability, transportation, logistics, and supplier relationships. Most recently, Peters served as vice president, supply chain operations.