True Value Company Names Chris Kempa as Chief Commercial Officer

True Value Company, one of the world’s leading hardlines wholesalers, named Chris Kempa as chief commercial officer. Kempa will report directly to John Hartmann, president and CEO of True Value, and will join the company’s Senior Leadership Team.

“Chris is an exceptional addition to True Value with 25 years of experience in the product distribution sector and we are truly excited to have him join our team,” said Hartmann. “As True Value continues to execute against our strategic priorities and long-term business growth plans, I am confident his experienced leadership and deep industry knowledge will play an important role in our continued success.”

In this newly created role as chief commercial officer, Kempa will be responsible for the development and execution of an integrated merchandising, sales and pricing go-to-market strategy. He will play a critical role in the advancement of these areas, accelerating progress and building upon the great work currently being done across the organization.

Kempa comes to True Value from Essendant Inc. where he most recently served as Group President, Industrial, leading four business units: ORS Nasco, MEDCO, CPO Outlets, and Essendant Canada. He’s held significant leadership positions in pricing, merchandising, marketing, product management and general management over the course of his career.

Prior to joining Essendant, Chris spent over 20 years with W.W. Grainger, Inc. in multiple positions including Vice President & General Manager, Global Business; Vice President, Sourcing; and Director, Product Management.

Kempa holds an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Illinois University.

About True Value Company

True Value Company, headquartered in Chicago, is one of the world’s leading hardlines wholesalers with a globally recognized brand and over 70 years of experience serving independent hardware retailers. True Value Company provides its customers in over 60 countries an expansive product set with market-customized assortments at highly competitive prices, superior product availability, innovative marketing programs and a la carte value-added services like eCommerce ship-to-store, store remodel support and True Value University, all within a flexible model that requires no membership. With 13 regional distribution centers, and approximately 2,500 associates serving over 4,500 stores, True Value Company celebrates independence and drives retail excellence across the U.S. and internationally. Learn more at www.TrueValueCompany.com.

Source: True Value Company, LLC