CHICAGO, IL – March 23, 2000 - - Grainger today announced the election of two new officers: Y.C. Chen, vice president, International Internet Commerce; and
Patrick H. Davidson, vice president, Information Services. Grainger is the leading North American provider of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) supplies and related information to businesses and institutions.
Mr. Chen will report to Don Bielinski, group president. In this newly
created position, Mr. Chen will lead the development of Grainger’s Internet initiatives outside of North America.
Mr. Chen brings substantial experience in international business development. Most recently as vice president, Asia Pacific, Grainger International, Inc., Mr. Chen was responsible for developing and implementing the Asian sourcing strategy of the Grainger distribution business. He led the successful start-up of Grainger Global Sourcing, a division of Grainger International, Inc.
Prior to joining Grainger, Mr. Chen served as senior vice president, Asia Pacific, for Stream International Inc. (a merger of R.R. Donnelley’s Global Software Services and Corporate Software Inc.). He received his undergraduate and master’s degree in chemical engineering and earned a doctor of business administration from Indiana University in Bloomington.
Mr. Davidson will report to Wes Clark, group president. In this position Mr. Davidson will be responsible for managing the computer hardware, software and overall network capabilities for Grainger Industrial Supply and Grainger’s corporate headquarters in Lake Forest, IL.
Mr. Davidson brings 14 years of experience with Grainger ranging in scope from branch operations, sales management, quality, and employee development. Most recently, Mr. Davidson was director of the company’s Year 2000 Project. He received his undergraduate degree in geology from Lamar University and is pursuing his master’s in management at Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW), with 1999 sales of $4.5 billion, is the leading North American provider of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) supplies and related information to businesses and institutions. Grainger shares are traded on the New York and Chicago stock exchanges. For more information, visit Grainger online at www.grainger.com.