Laura Dempsey Brow

Laura Dempsey Brown retired in 2018 from W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), a leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating products after 19 years. She was the Senior Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations since 2010. Previously Ms. Brown served as Vice President of Marketing, and she also led the strategy development and operational execution of Grainger’s multi-year market expansion initiative focused on the top 25 U.S. metro markets. In addition, Ms. Brown served as the Vice President of Finance for Grainger’s field sales, operations, marketing and e-business functions.

Prior to joining Grainger, Ms. Brown was a Vice President at Alliant Foodservice and at Dietary Products at Baxter. She began her career at Baxter in 1985 focusing primarily on financial roles in the distribution and manufacturing businesses. She graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and obtained designation as a CPA. Ms. Brown is a member of The Chicago Network, The International Women’s Forum, and served on the board of Make-A-Wish Illinois for six years, including two years as board chair. She is also a member of the dean’s council of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.