Ace Retail Holdings Announces Three Promotions

Ace Retail Holdings, the parent company of Westlake Ace Hardware, Great Lakes Ace Hardware, and other retail hardware brands, recently announced three key promotions.

Bob Massengill

A Westlake Ace associate for 20 years, Bob Massengill has been promoted to senior vice president of business development and general counsel of Ace Retail Holdings. Over the tenure of his career, Massengill has played significant roles in the growth of the company, including overseeing ARH’s Commercial Business division and management of new retail store expansion. In his new role, he will continue to oversee commercial business, legal, facilities and construction, real estate, and financial planning and analysis for Ace Retail Holdings. Massengill holds a Masters in Business Administration and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

Chris Ekeland

Chris Ekeland has been promoted to corporate vice president of commercial business and home services for Ace Retail Holdings. Ekeland has been with Westlake Ace for 10 years and, under his leadership, has launched Westlake’s Commercial division and has grown ARH’s commercial business to over $100 million in revenue. In his new role, Ekeland will continue to advance the commercial business and home services operations for Ace Retail Holdings. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in communications from Grandview University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Stacey Knapp

Stacey Knapp has been promoted to director of human resources for Ace Retail Holdings. Over the past nine years at Westlake Ace, she has advanced from human resources analyst to a leadership role, demonstrating her expertise and extensive knowledge. Knapp is well-regarded for fostering a positive and collaborative work environment with colleagues. In her new role as director, she will shape Ace Retail Holdings’ human resources strategies and oversee all operational aspects of the department. Knapp attended Pittsburgh State University in Pittsburgh, Kansas.

“At Ace Retail Holdings, we believe our greatest strength lies in our people,” said Joe Jeffries, president and CEO of Ace Retail Holdings. “These promotions not only reflect the outstanding contributions and positive impact Bob, Chris, and Stacey have had on the company, but it’s also a testament to our confidence in their ability to drive growth and excellence across our brands.”

About Ace Retail Holdings

Ace Retail Holdings owns more than 250 hardware stores throughout North America – operating Westlake Ace Hardware, Great Lakes Ace Hardware, and other store brands. A wholly-owned division of Ace Hardware Corporation, the company is headquartered in the Kansas City area.

For nearly 120 years, Westlake Ace Hardware has been the helpful neighborhood hardware store countless generations have counted on for power and hand tools, fasteners, paint, plumbing, lawn care, pet, electrical supplies, and BBQ grills and accessories. Westlake lives the Ace Helpful Promise every day by delivering reliable service, helpful advice, and products so its customers and neighbors get their projects done right every time. The company currently owns more than 170 stores in 13 states.

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich., Great Lakes Ace Hardware is driven by the belief that its neighborhood hardware stores should improve lives and communities. The company’s helpful neighborhood hardware stores live the Ace Helpful Promise every day by delivering reliable service, a localized product mix, and helpful advice. The company owns more than 70 stores in four states.

Contact:

Tom Mentzer – Media Contact – tmentzer@mprg.biz – (913) 626-9066

Source: Ace Hardware Corporation