Richard L. Keyser, Former Grainger Chairman Named Public Company Director of the Year by National Association of Corporate Directors

CHICAGO, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Grainger (NYSE: GWW) today announced Richard L. Keyser, the company's former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer has been named 2010 Public Company Director of the Year by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). Mr. Keyser was recognized by his boardroom peers for having exemplary, steady leadership in dynamic and challenging environments.

The NACD Director of the Year awards recognize distinguished individual directors as role models in promoting exemplary board leadership, oversight excellence and courage in the boardroom.  Mr. Keyser will be honored at an awards banquet in October at the NACD Annual Corporate Governance Conference in Washington, D.C.

"Dick Keyser has been an exceptional leader and Board Member," said James T. Ryan, Grainger's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.  "He has been a mentor and colleague to those who have had the privilege to work with him over the years and we are delighted for this significant recognition of his accomplishments."

Mr. Keyser currently serves as a director for The Principal Financial Group, Zebra Technologies Corporation, and The National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Mr. Keyser also serves as a director for The NorthShore University Healthcare System and is committee chair of the Research Institute. He has served as a director for the former Morton International and Rohm and Haas Companies and The Chicago Council on Global Affairs.  He also serves in an advisory capacity for several academic institutions.

Keyser retired from Grainger's Board in April 2010.  Previously, he served as Grainger's Chairman of the Board, a position assumed in 1997.  He also served as Grainger's Chief Executive Officer beginning in 1995 and prior to that he served as Grainger's President and Chief Operating Officer.

Before joining Grainger in 1986, he was President of the Hycalog Division of NL Industries.  His business career also includes 13 years with Cummins Engine Company.

Mr. Keyser is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy where he earned a bachelor's degree in nuclear science; he also holds a master's degree in business administration from the Harvard Business School.  He is a veteran of the U.S. Submarine Service.

About Grainger

W.W. Grainger, Inc. with 2009 sales of $6.2 billion is the leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products with an expanding presence in Asia and Latin America. For more information about the company, visit www.grainger.com/news.

About NACD

The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) is the only membership organization delivering the information and insights that corporate board members need to confidently navigate complex business challenges and enhance shareowner value. With more than 10,000 members, NACD advances exemplary board leadership. NACD is focused on creating more effective and efficient boards through director-led education and peer forums to share ideas and leading practices based on more than 30 years of primary research. Fostering collaboration among directors and governance stakeholders, NACD is shaping the future of board leadership. To learn more about NACD, visit NACDonline.org.

SOURCE W.W. Grainger, Inc.