ANDRE THORNTON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF ASW GLOBAL, LLC AND FORMER CLEVELAND INDIANS, TO SPEAK THIS FRIDAY

​André Thornton acquired ASW Global, LLC, in January of 2007 after ASW merged with the Cleveland-based company GPI Procurement Services.  As the Chief Executive Officer, André sets the direction of the company and directs operational aspects so that they follow the strategic plans and policies of the organization. 

 

Thornton has twenty years of experience in Entrepreneurial ventures.  As one of the Principals in Apple Partners, he led a highly successful restaurant management group that was sold to Applebee’s International.  André also founded a successful consulting and sports management company and continues to speak nationally on Executive Leadership, Organizational Change, and Diversity; having engagements in excess of one-thousand groups and businesses.  Thornton played professional baseball for twenty-one years and was an honored recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award in 1979, which goes to the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement, and team contribution.  He spent ten seasons with the Cleveland Indians where he was a two-time All-Star and received the coveted Silver Slugger Award in 1984.  Additionally, Thornton was inducted into the Ohio Baseball Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame. 

 

 André graduated magna cum laude, obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree from Capital University.  He is co-author of the book Triumph Born of Tragedy and was twice featured in McGraw-Hill/Irwin national educational videos for his entrepreneurial and marketing leadership success at GPI Procurement Services where he served as President and CEO.  Thornton currently is on the board of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the Greater Akron Chamber, and holds the chair for the Ohio Region of the International Warehouse and Logistics Association.  His leadership roles also include serving as Kent State University President’s Ambassador and he is a member/graduate of Leadership Cleveland 1997. 

 

Thornton’s steadfast dedication and tremendous understanding of the business and the industry provide ASW with the opportunity to sustain growth and strive for continuous improvement.  He is a proven leader and looks to demonstrate his commitment as ASW looks towards the future.