SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Orchard Supply Hardware, a leading regional home improvement retailer operating 89 full-service home and garden stores in California, announced today that it has appointed Mark Baker as its President and Chief Executive Officer. As previously announced last December, the company undertook a thorough search process and selected Mr. Baker based on his extensive leadership and merchandising experience within the home improvement retail industry. Mr. Baker will also join the Orchard Supply Hardware Board of Directors.
“Mark brings a wealth of expertise in leading home improvement retail companies, and we are excited to welcome him to our team at Orchard Supply Hardware,” said William Crowley, Chairman of Orchard Supply Hardware’s Board.
"Under Mark's leadership, we look forward to growing our geographic footprint as well as better serving our customers," said David Kaplan, a member of the company’s Board and a Senior Partner at Ares Management.
“I am pleased to join Orchard Supply Hardware, an exceptional retailer with a unique value proposition comprised of service, selection and convenience,” commented Mr. Baker. “The company clearly has a very dedicated and experienced team, and I look forward to working with them and the Board to continue the growth of Orchard Supply Hardware.”
Before joining Orchard Supply Hardware, Mr. Baker served as President and Chief Operating Officer for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, where he oversaw the Global Consumer, Global Professional and Scotts Lawn Service business units, as well as all operating functions. Previously, Mr. Baker served in a variety of senior roles over seven years at Home Depot, Inc. where he ultimately served as Executive Vice President, Merchandising. In addition, he was Chief Executive Officer of the Gander Mountain Company, a leading outdoor retailer, and has held senior leadership roles at Scotty’s Inc. and Homebase, Inc.
About Orchard Supply Hardware
Orchard Supply Hardware is a leading regional home improvement retailer operating 89 full-service home and garden stores located throughout California and headquartered in San Jose, California. Orchard Supply Hardware stores offer a comprehensive selection of hardware, lawn and garden, and specialty products. The company has a rich heritage and was founded in 1931 as a farmers' cooperative in the Santa Clara Valley offering supplies to local growers. Its two largest shareholders are Sears Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq:SHLD), which has a controlling stake, and an affiliate of the private equity group at Ares Management LLC. For more information about Orchard Supply Hardware, visit our website at http://www.osh.com.
About Sears Holdings
Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's third largest broadline retailer, with approximately $55 billion in annual revenues, and approximately 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, home electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including labels like Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. Sears Holding also carries Martha Stewart Everyday products, which are offered exclusively in the U.S. by Kmart and in Canada by Sears Canada. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at http://www.searshc.com.
About Ares Management LLC
Ares Management LLC is a global alternative asset manager and SEC registered investment adviser with approximately $39 billion of committed capital under management and approximately 360 employees as of December 31, 2010. The firm is headquartered in Los Angeles with professionals also located across the United States, Europe and Asia, and has the ability to invest in all levels of a company’s capital structure – from senior debt to common equity. The firm’s investment activities are managed by dedicated teams in its Private Equity, Private Debt and Capital Markets investment platforms. Ares Management was built upon the fundamental principle that each platform benefits from being part of the greater whole. This multi-asset class synergy provides its professionals with insights into industry trends, access to significant deal flow and the ability to assess relative value.
The Ares Private Equity Group pursues majority or shared-control investments, principally in under-capitalized middle market companies. The group seeks strong business franchises and situations where its capital can serve as a catalyst for growth. Its senior partners average more than 20 years of experience investing in, controlling, advising, and restructuring leveraged companies. For additional information, visit www.aresmgmt.com.