Westlake Ace Hardware names COO

New York City Westlake Hardware, the largest retail chain within the Ace Hardware system, announced the appointment of Rob Easley to the newly created position of chief operating officer. He will be responsible for the operations of the company's 89 retail locations, as well as marketing functions, field human resources and talent development.

Previously, Easley served as COO of Rite Aide Corp., and held several senior-level operations positions with San Antonio-based grocery chain H.E. Butt.