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Ace Renews Asian Deals, Names International Chief

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Ace Hardware Corp. has named Bob Moschorak president and general manager of Ace International, with responsibility for worldwide growth initiatives, and has renewed two agreements to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia.

The Oak Brook, Ill.-based company’s Ace Paint division is a major manufacturer and retailer of paint and coatings products.

Moschorak joins Ace after holding senior leadership positions at several global companies. He has previously held the positions of managing director of Midas International in Madrid, chief operating officer of automotive retailer Aurgi in Spain, managing director of franchise development at Bally Total Fitness, and vice president of the retail network at Serta International.

Moschorak will oversee Ace Global Distribution (AGD), the retail distribution arm for Ace International, and will lead growth initiatives for the Ace brand globally with retail development programs and wholesale strategies, the company said.

Reporting to Moschorak is Pete Ting, who was promoted to vice president, international finance; Angel Garcia, promoted to vice president, international sales and merchandising; and Rob Collins, director, global supply chain.

Moschorak said he is “committed to both strengthening our brand recognition in existing international markets and identifying other areas for strategic growth around the globe.”

The company also said renewal of licensing agreements in Indonesia and Malaysia will reinforce Ace’s presence in Southeast Asia, where it has reported “significant growth.” The company also has retail franchise systems in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North, Central, and South America.

PT Ace Hardware currently operates a major home-improvement chain in Indonesia, with 39 stores and more than 5,000 workers in 18 cities. The company will retain the rights to develop the Ace brand in Indonesia until 2025 and will open five new stores this year.

In addition, Ace Hardware International’s current license in Malaysia, originally signed in 1996, will be extended to 2020. At least two more stores will open in 2010, joining the 10 stores in the Kuala Lumpur metro area, Ace said.

“Southeast Asia has proven to be a market of considerable growth potential, and we see opportunities for further expansion throughout Indonesia and Malaysia in the coming decade,” said Ray Griffith, Ace Hardware Corp. president and CEO. “International development remains a top priority, and we will continue to work with potential investors and retailer partners around the globe to open new stores.”