Venhuizen takes over as Ace CEO

OAK BROOK, Ill. — Ace Hardware has named long-time employee John Venhuizen as president and CEO of the nation’s largest hardware cooperative.

Venhuizen’s appointment to this role has been part of a strategic leadership transition that was announced last September. At that time, Venhuizen was named president and COO of Ace Hardware, while Ace’s outgoing leader, Ray Griffith, maintained the title of CEO.

Since joining the cooperative in 1992, Venhuizen has served in numerous roles, including COO, VP business development, retail development, retail training and international.

Recently, Ace Hardware unveiled “2020 Vision,” driven by Venhuizen, it is Ace’s long-term customer-focused strategy designed to grow the Ace brand and help Ace retailers improve their stores’ performance.

“John has already made an indelible imprint on Ace Hardware and he will continue to do so at the helm of this great organization,” said David Ziegler, chairman, Ace Hardware board of directors. “We are pleased with the momentum of the business, particularly with the launch of 2020 Vision. Ace’s Board of Directors is confident that Ace will grow and prosper under John’s passionate leadership.”