W.W. Grainger Inc. has restructured its operations into three groups, and its chief operating officer, Wesley M. Clark, has decided to leave the firm effective June 1. Chicago-based Grainger supplies businesses and institutions with facilities maintenance products.
Under the new structure, Grainger’s operations will be broken into three distinct segments. The United States operations, which include its branches, distribution centers and outsourcing business, will be run by James T. Ryan, who was promoted from executive vice president to group president.
The other units include Grainger’s international business and Lab Safety Supply, its direct marketing arm. All units will report directly to chairman and CEO Richard L. Keyser.
“We have exceptional opportunities to expand Lab Safety Supply through acquisitions,” Keyser said in a statement.
He continued, “And, with more manufacturing jobs moving offshore, Grainger has an ongoing business development effort to evaluate the opportunities to supply maintenance products to overseas operations.”
In addition to resigning his position, Clark will also step down from the company’s board of directors. The company will not replace his position, and reduce the number of board members from 12 to 11.
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