Hughes Resigns As ISA President & CEO

Jeff Hughes has stepped down from post after 20 months of leadership, and Stellar Industrial Supply president John Wiborg will lead the effort to find Hughes' successor.

The Industrial Supply Association announced today that Jeffrey Hughes has resigned as its president and CEO, effective immediately. ISA vice chairman (and incoming board chairman) and Stellar Industrial Supply president John Wiborg will lead the group's search for its next president and CEO, ISA said in a press release.

"I am confident in John’s leadership through the transition and believe the process to find our next president and CEO will mark a new chapter of dynamic leadership for ISA," said ISA chairman Craig Vogel, who is also vice president of sales at Lenox/NWL Rubbermaid. 'ISA is sharply focused on continuing and growing its role as a leader in the industrial supply industry; helping companies thrive in today’s economy, and advancing the future of the industry.

"We thank Jeff for his valuable service, and for being a strong advocate and champion for the industrial supply industry."

Hughes served as ISA president and CEO starting on Oct. 12, 2014. Before that, he was CEO of GAMA International from 2004 to 2014.

"It has been an honor to lead this association with such a rich history, working with an outstanding board of directors, wonderful membership, a dedicated staff and the myriad of industry partners," Hughes said in the release. "Thank you to the ISA Board and members for this amazing opportunity and I wish the Industrial Supply Association many great years ahead."

Voegel said the leadership change will spur ISA stakeholders to step forward with their input on improving the association at all levels.

Industrial Distribution had a sit-down interview with Hughes at the ISA Annual Convention this past April in Rosemont, IL. There, Hughes discussed at length the state of talent recruiting across the industrial supply market and the need for better succession planning among distributors and manufacturers.

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