Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Jim Ristow Named CEO at BrandSource
December 8,
2014 by in Executive Changes, Industry 
Jim Ristow will succeed Bob Lawrence as CEO of retail merchandising group BrandSource, effective Jan. 1.
Lawrence has served as CEO of BrandSource, Tustin, Calif., since 1994.
Ristow has been with BrandSource since 1999, most recently serving as executive vice president of consumer electronics for BrandSource; and co-president and chief business officer of ProSource. He holds a Bachelor of Business Adminstration degree from St. Norbert College.
“The Board conducted an extensive search, both internally and outside of the company, for the right person to lead BrandSource into its next phase of growth, and we're delighted to have found that person in Jim Ristow," said Jeff Zeglin, BrandSource chairman of the board. "Jim has a tremendous aptitude for leadership and is highly respected by his colleagues for his ability to offer strategic thinking and keen insights on the latest retail and industry trends. These attributes, along with a genuine passion for this industry, make him an ideal choice.”
“It’s an honor to be chosen to lead BrandSource and to carry on the ‘members first’ philosophy set in motion by Bob Lawrence nearly 20 years ago,” said Ristow. “Our mission is to continue being the strongest ally in the industry for the independent retailer. We will strive to bring ‘best of class’ services and solutions to our members in every category that we offer to help them successfully compete against big box retailers and online.”
Founded in 1969, BrandSource is a 100 percent member-owned merchandising group with nearly 4,500 independent dealer members in North America and close to 3,000 branded stores in the United States.