W.W. Grainger, a Chicago-based industrial distributor, named James T. Ryan president. He joined the company in 1980 in its product management area and has held many executive positions in the company including president of the parts business, chief information officer, president of its Internet business, and most recently, group president for the U.S. branch-based business. “Since he became group president in 2004, the U.S. branch-based business has increased sales growth while improving operating earnings,” Richard L. Keyser, chairman and CEO, said in a statement. Grainger is a broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products. It operates nearly 600 branches, 18 distribution centers and multiple Web sites. For more information, visitwww.grainger.com.