New president for Ace International
Ace Hardware Corporation has appointed Dale Fennel as president of Ace International (AIH). Fennel will report to John Surane, Ace Hardware’s executive vice president and chief growth officer.
Previously serving as corporate VP of merchandising operations, Ace says Fennel will oversee the development and execution of international strategies to help existing AIH retailers reach their full potential, expand into new and emerging markets and provide ongoing retail support aimed at increasing sales and market share.
“Ace International is a critical component of our long-term growth strategy, and we are excited to have Dale Fennel at the helm,” said Surane. “Dale is considered one of the foremost experts of the highly successful Ace store model. He is a driven leader that will leverage the skill and scale of Ace Hardware Corporation to its fullest extent, supporting the profitable growth of our retailers and customers around the world.”
Ace says Fennel, a 25-year company veteran, has significantly contributed to Ace Hardware's success in areas including buying, category management, retail pricing, retail analytics, Ace Rewards, store systems, retail operations, innovation and business development.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a master’s degree from Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University. Fennel is also a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
“I am passionate about supporting and building the Ace brand globally while helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses and serve their communities,” Fennel said. “I look forward to driving Ace International’s success in the years ahead.”
