Ace Hardware names COO

Oakbrook, Ill. -- Ace Hardware said Wednesday it has named John Venhuizen COO, effective Jan. 1, 2012. Venhuizen has spent nearly two decades with Ace and most recently served as executive VP supply chain, information technology and international. In this position, he helped grow the number of Ace stores around the world, as well as create a variety of successful support and incentive programs for retailers. Venhuizen will report to Ray Griffith, president and CEO.