Industrial and safety supplies distributor R.S. Hughes shared the results of its spring board elections, which included new leadership.

Company President John Mathis — who succeeded Bill Matthews in April — was elected to R.S. Hughes board, while longtime board member David Schroeder was elected as Executive Chairman.

Mathis is a 12-year company veteran who served as chief revenue officer for more than a year before taking over as president. He originally joined R.S. Hughes in 2014 as an outside sales rep.

“Mathis’ appointment reflects the board’s confidence in his leadership, vision and deep understanding of R.S. Hughes’ business and culture,” the company said in a July 31 statement.

“I’m honored to serve on the board and look forward to working closely with this group to help guide R.S. Hughes’ continued success,” Mathis added.   

Schroeder — who is Principal of board consultancy Corvus Advisors — has been on the board since 2012, and the company noted his extensive industry experience and insight that he brings to the leadership role.

“I’m excited to work with John and the Board to build on our momentum, strengthening our commitment to serve our customers while continuing to make R.S. Hughes a great place to work,” said Schroeder. 

MDM’s 2025 Top Distributors Lists, R.S. Hughes ranked No. 39 for Industrial Supplies, No. 19 for MRO and appeared on the unranked adhesives list. The company had over $500 million in 2024 revenue.

Other R.S. Hughes Notes

• On June 2, the company opened a new manufacturing facility for its Saunders division in Houston, relocated from Lombard, IL. R.S. Hughes said the new plant will enhance Saunders’ ability to deliver custom-engineered solutions for the transportation, general industrial, medical device, electronics, aerospace and defense industries. To do so, it will leverage advanced converting capabilities that inclulde die-cutting, laminating, slitting, packaging and assembly.’
• In February, R.S. Hughes announced the appointment of a new chief supply chain officer and a new vice president of marketing.