Safety Equipment Distributor GME Supply Appoints Former HD Supply Exec as COO - Modern Distribution Management

Safety Equipment Distributor GME Supply Appoints Former HD Supply Exec as COO

They also had previous leadership roles at The Home Depot, BELFOR and McMaster-Carr.
GME Supply

Safety and productivity equipment distributor GME Supply announced April 9 that it appointed Tony Drew as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer.

Reporting to CEO Ryan Keogh, Drew will lead the company’s operational strategy as GME said it continues to scale its platform, expand its capabilities and integrate recent acquisitions.

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Drew comes to GME after 5-plus years at HD Supply, where he most recently served as Chief Transformation Officer for the past 2 years. He previously spent 10 years at The Home Depot, nearly 8 years at BELFOR and 6 years at McMaster-Carr. He has extensive experience in operations, transformation, and acquisition integration across large distribution businesses.

“As our business has continued to expand, so has the scale and complexity of what we do every day,” Keogh said in a news release. “We have added facilities, expanded our product offerings, and enhanced our digital tools to better serve our clients. With that rapid growth comes a responsibility to ensure our leadership team and operating structure evolve at the same pace. Ensuring we have the right talent is critical to helping us grow organically and achieve the goals within our strategic plan.”

Keogh became GME’s President and CEO on Jan. 1, succeeding Caleb Messer, who transitioned to Executive Chairman.

GME Supply COO Tony Drew and CEO Ryan Keogh

Headquartered in Columbia, MO, GME key product offerings cover fall protection; PPE and workwear; lifting & rigging; rope; rescue; first aid; tools; bags, buckets and storage; and devices & testing.

“After a very extensive search process, what stood out to us was Tony’s unique balance of operational depth, strategic thinking, energy, and humility,” Keogh added. “He has a proven track record of leading large teams and strengthening operating models. Having the right people is critical to our future, and Tony’s leadership will ensure we continue to execute at a high level, accelerate our growth, and seamlessly integrate new capabilities into the GME platform.”

GME’s most recent acquisition was its September 2025 addition of Wayne Enterprises (Houston).

“I am incredibly excited to join the GME Supply team at such a pivotal time,” Drew said. “GME has a tremendous history of growth and a clear, ambitious vision for the future. As industry continues to evolve, digital-first distribution is exactly where the market is heading, and GME is at the forefront of that transformation. I look forward to helping drive this rapid expansion and working alongside such a talented team to continue delivering exceptional value to the trades.”

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