Baker & Taylor hires new chairman, CEO
Morgan known for leadership background
By Jennifer Netherby -- Video Business, 7/2/2008
JULY 2 | DVD and books wholesaler Baker & Taylor named Thomas I. Morgan chairman and CEO, the company said Tuesday.
Morgan replaces Jack Eugster, formerly head of Musicland, who joined B&T as chairman and CEO in January following the departure of Richard Willis.
Morgan joins B&T July 7. He most recently served as president and CEO of Orlando, Fla.-based construction distributor Hughes Supply Inc. Under his direction, Hughes sales grew from $3 billion to $5.3 billion, before being sold to Home Depot in 2006 for $3.6 billion.
Prior to Hughes, Morgan was CEO of U.S. Office Products Company and spent 22 years with automotive parts supplier Genuine Parts Company.
“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,” said Gary Appel, vice chair of Castle Harlan Inc., the N.Y. private equity firm that owns a controlling interest in B&T.
Morgan said in a statement that he plans to continue “to build upon the core strengths of the company with its leading service offering to libraries and retail customers in the U.S. and abroad."
