Cancel OK

True Value Company Continues to Strengthen its Leadership Team

General News
True Value Logo - Coop & Retail Lumber Yard

True Value Company, one of the world’s leading hardlines wholesalers, announced today that as part of its ongoing transformation, Jeff Olson will join the company as Chief Financial Officer on March 29. Olson has over 30 years’ experience in financial optimization helping to drive commercial effectiveness and operating results.

“Over the last few years, we have been focused on investments in modernizing the supply chain, doubling our sales force to further support our customers, and technology enhancements making it even easier to do business with us,” said True Value Company CEO Chris Kempa. “Jeff’s deep experience is another example of the type of leader that will help us accelerate our investments even further coming off a year of both record sales and record rebates paid to our retailers. We realize that building the right team from a position of both operational and financial strength will lead to even greater growth for our retailers and our business.”

“As part of this change, Deb O’Connor has decided to leave True Value to pursue other interests. She was critical in supporting the business by implementing a new structure and leading significant investments. She will remain at the company for the next few months, assisting with a seamless transition to a new CFO,” said Kempa. “With Deb’s departure, I am taking the opportunity to modify the reporting structure with IT, Legal, and Supply Chain now reporting directly to me, in addition to Merchandising, Sales, Marketing and Communications and HR. Streamlining the executive functions will allow for further alignment and partnership in all areas of the business. We thank Deb for her years of service and wish her the best in her future endeavors.”

Olson comes to True Value from The AZEK Company, a manufacturer of low-maintenance and sustainable building products, where he was Vice President, Finance, with responsibility for AZEK’s residential products business. He has deep experience in wholesale distribution and manufacturing and spent over 10 years with increasing responsibilities in Finance at Essendant, a $5B distributor of business products.

“Over the last year, we have made several leadership changes that are centered on balancing the need to increase our diversification of experiences at the executive level while maintaining the deep knowledge and experiences of seasoned True Value leaders,” said Kempa. “I am confident in our path forward and know Jeff and our entire leadership team will play an important role in helping us execute our growth strategy and drive increased sales and operational effectiveness across the business.”

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.

Contact:

Jean Niemi – Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications – Jean.Niemi@TrueValue.com – (678) 386-2902

Source: True Value Company, LLC