Grainger’s Ryan To Become Chief Executive

W.W. Grainger’s President and Chief Operating Officer James T. Ryan will succeed Richard L. Keyser as chief executive, effective June 1. Keyser, who will continue as the company’s chairman, became the first non-Grainger to lead the 80-year-old company when he was named chief executive officer in 1995. Ryan was named chief operating officer and appointed to the board of directors in February 2007. He became president of Grainger in 2006. Ryan, who will be Grainger’s fourth CEO, retains his posts as chief operating officer and president.