Industrial and safety supplies distributor R.S. Hughes announced the retirement of CEO Bill Matthews, effective May 1, as well as his successor.

The company’s Board unanimously appointed John Mathis as President, effective April 1. Mathis, formerly the company’s Chief Revenue Officer, will assume complete operational and strategic leadership of the company, reporting directly to the board.

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“John not only understands the changing needs of our customer base but also how to build on our great culture to serve those needs,” R.S. Hughes Board Member Dave Schroeder said in an April 7 news release. “We’re confident he’ll bring his positive energy and passion for our customers to his new role, driving continued, profitable growth while making R.S. Hughes a great place to work.”

Matthews’ retirement concludes an 18-year career, including four years as CEO and Chairman. He joined the R.S. Hughes Board in 2007 and took on the CEO role during what R.S. Hughes said was a critical time in the company’s history.

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“Bill assumed his role as CEO during a difficult time for the company and quickly charted a new course preparing R.S. Hughes for continued growth,” Schroeder added. “His deep industry experience and unique perspective have positively impacted the company over the years. We wish Bill all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

In other recent R.S. Hughes recent news, the company announced the appointment of Sergio Grimaldo as Chief Supply Chain Officer and Jessica Sardina as Vice President of Marketing in early February.

R.S. Hughes was No. 39 on MDM’s Top Distributors List for Industrial Supplies.