Distribution Strategy Group (DSG), a leading provider of expert content and specialized analytics for the wholesale distribution industry, announced today that Brian Hopkins has joined the company as chief customer officer.

Hopkins is recognized for his transformative leadership and dedication to customer-centric cultures within the distribution industry. After more than 20 years at Grainger, where he was ultimately promoted to director, call center operations, Hopkins spent four years in leadership positions at HD Supply and then moved to Hisco as vice president of customer experience, where he leveraged artificial intelligence to improve sales and productivity. Hopkins was then hired as vice president of customer services for Redi-Carpet, a flooring distributor. He was most recently the vice president of operations and customer engagement for multifamily MRO distributor AZP.

Hopkins holds a BA in management and marketing from Loras College and an MBA from Indiana Institute of Technology.

At DSG, Hopkins will help formulate strategies to drive even faster growth for the company. Drawing on his deep background in distribution, he will develop partnerships with distributors, technology providers, trade associations and buying groups. Additionally, thanks to his vast experience in distribution, Hopkins will make important contributions to the industry-leading content that has distinguished DSG since its inception almost four years ago.

“We’re thrilled to have Brian on our team,” said Ian Heller, company co-founder and chief strategy officer. “Our mission is to provide the most insightful and relevant content, events and analytics for distributors and Brian will help us build our lead over competitors.”

DSG Co-Founder and Managing Partner Jonathan Bein agreed. “Brian is a one-of-a-kind talent. His incredibly impressive background in key roles for leading distributors is going to be essential to helping add more value to our audience and to sponsors going forward.”

"This is a pivotal moment in my career. I'm eager to start this new chapter, collaborate with the fantastic DSG team, and build on our connections with our incredible clients and the distributor community," Hopkins said.