John Schweig
Quote | Bio

As Senior Vice President of Strategy & Development, John has staff responsibility for overall company strategy and corporate development and line responsibility for the company’s international businesses. The latter includes both international distribution and global sourcing. John also serves as chairman of the steering committee for Grainger’s Leadership Development Program.

John joined Grainger in 1990 as Vice President, Marketing. His next post was as Vice President and General Manager, Direct Marketing. This included P/L responsibility for Grainger’s smaller customers, and for Lab Safety Supply, Grainger’s direct marketing subsidiary. In 1996, John gained responsibility for business development, and he later became responsible for international.

John began his career in corporate finance for Smith Barney in New York. He then ran and ultimately sold an adhesive tape converting and marketing company in St. Louis. After attending business school, he was a partner in the Boston office of Bain & Company’s strategy consulting practice. John’s focus was in consumer products sales and marketing and in industrial distribution. After 7 years as a partner in Bain’s Boston office, John left Bain to join Grainger.

John has served on the board of The Josselyn Center for Mental Health, and currently serves on the executive committee of Chicago Youth Centers.

John grew up in St. Louis and attended Colgate University. He holds a B.A. in mathematics and economics, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He now lives in Glencoe, a northern suburb of Chicago. He is active in the Boy Scouts of America and AYSO soccer.