James T. Ryan has been a significant figure in W.W. Grainger, serving in various roles since 1980. He climbed the ranks from Group President to CEO, a role he officially took on in 2008. After leading the company for nearly...

James T. Ryan has been a significant figure in W.W. Grainger, serving in various roles since 1980. He climbed the ranks from Group President to CEO, a role he officially took on in 2008. After leading the company for nearly a decade, he retired in October 2017. Under his leadership, Grainger focused on expanding its online business with initiatives like grainger.com, a platform designed to simplify the purchasing process for customers. He steered the company through various phases, using his extensive experience in marketing, sales, and service to boost performance metrics linked to sales growth and return on investment. Ryan's tenure was marked by fluctuating performance metrics, with his compensation peaking in 2015 at over $7.5 million. He was instrumental in shaping the corporate strategy at Grainger, which adapts to market changes, and understood the importance of aligning executive pay with company results. Even after his retirement, Ryan's influence remains in Grainger's ongoing strategies and business practices.

Quick Links

1. Rivals

2. Holdings

3. Insider Trading

4. Compensation History

5. Other W.W. Grainger CEOs

W

James T. Ryan

Ex-CEO of W.W. Grainger

Education

Not specified

Field of Expertise

Business & Management

Sector of Economy

Industrials

Born

April 9, 1958 - 66 years ago

CEO of W.W. Grainger for

9 years 4 months (Jun 2008 - Oct 2017)

Previous Experience

Group President, responsible for the Company’s businesses operating under the Grainger brand in the United States.

Rivals

Competitors/colleagues of James T. Ryan

D

Richard J. Tobin

CEO of Dover

2023 Compensation

Stock

$3.25M

Salary

$1.29M

Bonus

$2.00M

Other

$207.19K

Total Holdings

$69.71M

H

Gerben W. Bakker

CEO of Hubbell

2022 Compensation

Stock

$1.18M

Salary

$1.03M

Bonus

$0.00

Other

$283.94K

Total Holdings

$25.05M

G

Mark W. Sheahan

CEO of Graco

2023 Compensation

Stock

$0.00

Salary

$985.00K

Bonus

$1.30M

Other

$26.76K

Total Holdings

$6.90M

M

Erik Gershwind

CEO of MSC Industrial Direct Co.

2023 Compensation

Stock

$0.00

Salary

$825.45K

Bonus

$826.58K

Other

$26.15K

Total Holdings

$125.07M

L

Christopher L. Mapes

CEO of Lincoln Electric Holdings

2023 Compensation

Stock

$2.59M

Salary

$1.11M

Bonus

$2.78M

Other

$320.35K

Total Holdings

$21.65M

Holdings

See how much did James T. Ryan make over time.

James T. Ryan’s holdings peaked in value in early 2020, with a notable increase from $70.63 million in September 2019 to $98.57 million by December 2020. The value of his stake experienced several fluctuations, especially as it reached heights of...

James T. Ryan’s holdings peaked in value in early 2020, with a notable increase from $70.63 million in September 2019 to $98.57 million by December 2020. The value of his stake experienced several fluctuations, especially as it reached heights of $121.94 million in December 2021. However, it has seen a downward trend since then, settling at around $167.11 million in September 2023, indicating the volatility typical in stock investments. This trajectory reflects Ryan’s ongoing commitment to Grainger, showcasing how executive holdings can mirror company performance and market conditions during and after his leadership tenure.

Mar 17, 2025

G

shares

GWW @ $977.41

Total Stock Sold

$60.64M

GWW

$60.64M

273,189 GWW shares

What if they kept their stock?

If James T. Ryan didn't sell their stock, today they would have:
Extra GWW273,189 shares worth $76.46M.
This is 26.09% and $15.82M more than what they got when they sold the stock.

Charitable Transactions

GWW

4,593 shares

GWW

Recent Charitable Transactions

GWW

4,450 shares

GWW

Jan 3, 2017

Charity

GWW

143 shares

GWW

Dec 31, 2014

Charity

Insider Trading

See recent insider trades of James T. Ryan.

GWW

$598.09K

GWW at $252.46/share

Feb 15, 2017

Sale

GWW

4,364 shares

GWW

Feb 15, 2017

Received

GWW

$15.22M

GWW at $234.17/share

Jan 3, 2017

Sale

GWW

4,450 shares

GWW

Jan 3, 2017

Charity

GWW

6,342 shares

GWW

Feb 17, 2016

Received

GWW

$3.66M

GWW at $217.88/share

Sep 3, 2015

Sale

GWW

$15.05M

GWW at $217.76/share

Sep 3, 2015

Sale

GWW

$2.83M

GWW at $218.15/share

Sep 3, 2015

Sale

GWW

$3.98M

GWW at $218.53/share

Sep 3, 2015

Sale

GWW

$1.07M

GWW at $218.96/share

Sep 3, 2015

Sale

Compensation History

See how much did James T. Ryan make over time.

During his time as CEO, James T. Ryan's salary and bonuses fluctuated significantly. In 2017, his total compensation was approximately $6.38 million, with a salary of $697,986 and a sizable stock option grant worth around $4.9 million. His compensation in prior years also saw variations; for example, in 2016, he earned about $2.36 million due to lower performance metrics. While bonuses were modest or nonexistent in certain years based on performance, the overall structure of Ryan's compensation aligned with company performance, thus encouraging long-term growth. This system emphasizes the company’s focus on aligning executive goals with shareholder interests, an area Ryan was directly involved with during his leadership.

Year

2017

Total Compensation

$863.98K

Salary

$697.99K

Board Justification

The compensation program is designed to attract and retain the best people and provide appropriate performance-based incentives that encourage them to achieve results that create long-term shareholder value.

Bonus

$0.00

Board Justification

Mr. Ryan's 2017 target incentive was decreased from 130% to 100% effective April 1, 2017. Accordingly, his 2017 incentive amount is pro-rated at 130% for 3 months and 100% for 6 months through his retirement on October 1, 2017.

Other

$166.00K

Board Justification

Includes contributions accrued under the Company's profit sharing plan and reimbursement for financial services.

Restricted Stock

$0.00(0 N/A)

Board Justification

No stock awards vested in 2017 as Mr. Ryan retired on October 1, 2017.

Performance Metrics

The performance metrics for 2017 included sales growth and return on invested capital (ROIC).

Other W.W. Grainger CEOs

Here are other CEOs of W.W. Grainger

Donald G. Macpherson

CEO of W.W. Grainger

October 2016 - Present