CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Baker & Taylor, Inc., the world's largest wholesale distributor of books and entertainment products, announced today that Thomas I. Morgan has been named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 7, 2008.

Most recently, Morgan had been President and CEO of Hughes Supply, Inc., in Orlando, Florida, a large distributor of construction supplies. While at Hughes, he significantly strengthened the company's operations, growing Hughes' sales from $3 billion to $5.3 billion and implementing operating disciplines. Hughes was sold to Home Depot in 2006 for $3.6 billion.

Before joining Hughes, Morgan had been the CEO of U.S. Office Products Company and had spent 22 years with Genuine Parts Company, the largest member and majority owner of National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA), in various executive positions including as the Executive Vice President of S.P. Richards, a $1.1 billion Genuine Parts subsidiary.

Morgan said, "I am excited to be joining the existing senior management team at Baker & Taylor and continuing to build upon the core strengths of  the Company with its leading service offering to libraries and retailcustomers in the U.S. and abroad."

Gary Appel, Vice Chairman of Castle Harlan, Inc., the New York private equity firm that owns the controlling interest in Baker & Taylor, said, "Tom Morgan joins Baker & Taylor with a strong background as a leader of some of the country's largest and best recognized distribution businesses which will enhance our senior management and allow us to accelerate our strategic plans."

Baker & Taylor, Inc is a global information and entertainment services company that offers books, videos, music, games and services to libraries, educational institutions, and retailers. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the company has been in existence for over 180 years, developing long-term relationships with major suppliers, including book publishers, movie studios, and music labels. Baker & Taylor maintains one of the largest combined in-stock book, video and music inventories in the United States, and services the broadest customer base in the  industry. Baker & Taylor is majority owned by Castle Harlan Partners IV, L.P., a leading private equity investment firm.

Courtesy: Baker & Taylor, Inc, USA

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Posted by Naresh Koshti on 5 July, 2008 4:54:31 PM IST #