Chicago—W.W. Grainger, the nation's largest MRO distributor, announced a new operating structure in early April. At the same time, president and chief operating officer Wesley M. Clark announced his plans to leave the company.

Grainger is realigning its operations to "better focus on sales and service goals," according a statement from the company.

Under the new structure, executive vice president James T. Ryan has been named group president of the Grainger branded businesses in the United States, the company's largest business unit. Ryan will run all businesses operating under the Grainger brand in the United States, including the company's 400 branches and nine distribution centers in its domestic supply chain network, as well as its outsourcing businesses.

The other units encompass the international businesses, including Grainger's Canadian and Mexican operations, and Lab Safety Supply, the company's direct marketing business. Doug Harrison is president of the Canadian business, Ben Randazzo runs the Mexican business as vice president Latin America, and Larry Loizzo is president of Lab Safety Supply.

All of the units now report directly to chairman and chief executive officer Richard L. Keyser. Previously, they reported to Clark, who oversaw supply chain operations.

"Our new structure is exactly what we need to execute our strategies and to grow sales and earnings. We are just beginning to see the results of the actions we took late last year and plan to accelerate our expansion program in the United States," Keyser said in a prepared statement. "Under Jim Ryan's leadership, we are aligning our operational strengths, including sales and supply chain, to better serve customers."

Late last year, Grainger announced plans to expand its branch network over the next few years, beginning in Atlanta, Denver and Seattle.

Keyser went on to say that the new structure will help with plans to develop business opportunities overseas and to expand Lab Safety Supply.

"I look forward to working closely with each of our businesses over the coming years to drive our results and capture more market share. Grainger is well positioned to do both," he added.

Ryan, who joined Grainger in 1980, has held a number of positions with the company, most recently as executive vice president of marketing, sales and service.

Clark's decision to leave the company is effective June 1. He also resigned from the company's board of directors. As a result, Grainger will reduce the number of directors from 11 to 10.

Clark joined Grainger in 1992 and was promoted to chief operating officer in 2001 after serving in a number of senior management positions. Prior to joining Grainger, he held senior management positions with Granite Rock and Cummins Engine Co.