8-KLeadership Changes

W.W. GRAINGER, INC. 8-K Report, Executive Changes (Aug 3, 2026)

Filed August 3, 2026For Securities:GWW

Summary

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) has announced a significant change in its financial leadership through an 8-K filing dated August 3, 2026. Deidra C. Merriwether, the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has decided to resign from her position, effective September 4, 2026, to pursue a new opportunity. The company has emphasized that her departure is amicable and not related to any disagreements regarding the company's operations, financial reporting, or internal controls. In response to this transition, the Board of Directors has appointed Laurie R. Thomson as the interim Chief Financial Officer, commencing September 5, 2026. Ms. Thomson, who currently serves as Vice President, Controller, brings extensive experience within Grainger and a strong accounting background. The company has also initiated a search process for a permanent CFO. This announcement provides clarity on leadership changes within the finance department and outlines the interim arrangements.

Key Highlights

  • 1Deidra C. Merriwether, SVP and CFO, to resign effective September 4, 2026.
  • 2Resignation is a personal decision to pursue another opportunity and is not due to any disagreements.
  • 3Laurie R. Thomson appointed as interim CFO, effective September 5, 2026.
  • 4Ms. Thomson will continue to serve as Vice President, Controller.
  • 5The company is initiating an immediate search for a new CFO.
  • 6Ms. Thomson's interim CFO compensation includes a salary increase to $500,000 and a $750,000 restricted stock unit award.
  • 7The restricted stock units for Ms. Thomson vest over three years starting October 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deidra C. Merriwether is resigning to pursue another opportunity. The company has stated her resignation is a personal decision and not a result of any disagreements regarding the company's operations, financial statements, internal controls, policies, practices, or its independent auditors.

Laurie R. Thomson, currently the Vice President, Controller of the Company, has been appointed as the interim Chief Financial Officer. She will assume this role effective September 5, 2026, and will continue her duties as Vice President, Controller.

In connection with her appointment as interim CFO, Ms. Thomson's base salary will increase from $455,271 to $500,000. Additionally, she will receive a one-time award of restricted stock units with an approximate grant value of $750,000, which will vest in three equal installments on October 1st of 2027, 2028, and 2029.

Yes, W.W. Grainger, Inc. has stated that it will begin an immediate search process to find the next Chief Financial Officer.