On Thursday afternoon the Industrial Supply Association announced that its board of directors has elected Edward Gerber as its new president and CEO. He will begin his position in September.
Gerber most recently served as vice president of sales and marketing for Hagemeyer-Industrial Distribution Group's northeast and western regions.
As ISA president and CEO, Gerber will succeed Jeff Hughes, whose resignation was announced June 21 after he had ISA since October of 2014.
"ISA is very fortunate to have Ed joining the organization," said John Wiborg, president of Stellar Industrial Supply and chairman of the ISA board. "We are certain that his experience, his contacts and relationships across the industry, and his enthusiasm for the ISA mission, will strengthen our future."
Wiborg led the ISA's search for its next president and CEO.
"The ISA Board of Directors selected Gerber from other top candidates based on the passion and expertise he brings to the position," the group said Thursday. "Gerber’s focus will be strengthening the association’s role in the industry and growing the benefits it provides to its members."
According to ISA, Gerber has 28 years of experience in the industrial supply industry, with experience on both the distribution and manufacturing sides of business. ISA notes that Gerber was "instrumental" in the recent merger of Hagemeyer North America and Industrial Distribution Group. Prior to the merger, Gerger was IDG's executive VP of sales and marketing. Before that, Gerber was Sandvik's VP of sales for its Titex and Protoyp brands and director of sales for Precision Twist Drill.
"With Ed at the helm, I am confident we have put together a team that has the expertise needed to deliver strong forward momentum,” said Craig Vogel, ISA immediate past chairman and VP of sales and Lenox.
Gerber was elected to the ISA board in 2005 and to its executive committee in 2010. ISA notes he has served in every major leadership role on the committee, including secretary, treasurer, VP and president of the association.
“I am excited for faster progress along the path ahead, confident in the direction of the association and delighted that Ed has stepped into this leadership role," Wiborg said. "Ed Gerber brings vision, experience and focus. Our members and industry will benefit greatly because of his commitment to ISA.”