Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Northern Ohio based E&H Hardware Group, a fourth-generation hardware retailer operating predominantly under the E&H Ace Hardware name, announced a CEO succession plan and additional leadership changes set to take effect Jan. 1, 2025.
Christopher Buehler, current vice president of marketing and strategy, will succeed Mark Klingbeil as CEO of E&H Hardware Group. Klingbeil has been with the company for 12 years and has played a key role in its growth and success. Under his leadership, E&H Hardware Group has expanded its presence in the market and strengthened its position as one of the leading Ace Hardware chains in the nation.
“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to lead our remarkably talented E&H team,” Buehler says. “Their passion and dedication is the heartbeat of our company and will undoubtedly push us to new heights in the future.”
In addition, the company announced that Rich Fishburn, currently vice president of operations, will transition to a newly created position as vice president of services. In his new role, Fishburn will primarily oversee the growth of E&H Plumbing & Handyman, a division of E&H Hardware Group that has shown significant potential for expansion. Fishburn will also oversee several growing service departments within the hardware chain.
“The demand for our ever-expanding list of helpful services continues to grow, with E&H Plumbing & Handyman leading the way,” Fishburn says. “I am thrilled to be taking on this new challenge and look forward to furthering the success of our family business.”
Additional leadership changes include Klingbeil, outgoing CEO, transitioning to CFO and Scot Steele, senior director of merchandising, assuming the role of senior director of marketing and merchandising.
