Ace Hardware Announces Leadership Appointments for Westlake Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware Corporation, the world’s largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative, is pleased to announce two key leadership changes for its subsidiary company Ace Retail Holdings, also known as Westlake Ace Hardware. Effective today, current Chief Operating Officer (COO) Joe Jeffries has been promoted to President and COO, continuing to support Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tom Knox.

In addition, Andrew Schmitt will be promoted to the position of Vice President of Operations for Westlake Ace Hardware. Schmitt currently holds the position of Director of Retail Operations – Western Division, for Ace Hardware Corporation.

Jeffries joined Westlake Ace Hardware in 2014 as the COO. Prior to joining Westlake Ace Hardware, Jeffries was CEO and COO at A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc., a regional chain of arts and crafts retail stores.

Schmitt joined Ace Hardware in 2010 as Senior Finance Manager. In 2011, he transitioned to the Retail Operations department where he held various positions including Director of Retail Operations – Western Division, Regional Manager (Texas), and Corporate Manager of Retail Operations.

In June 2017, Westlake Ace Hardware announced the acquisition of two new neighborhood hardware stores, bringing the chain’s total store count to 100 locations.