Tom Morgan, 49, who has been president and chief operating officer since joining the firm in 2001, replaces David H. Hughes, 59, who continues as chairman. Hughes has been CEO since 1974 and chairman since 1986.

During that period, the company grew from a local distributor of building supplies with annual average sales of $30 million to a 450-branch national organization in 34 states with average annual sales of $3 billion.

This is the first time a non-Hughes family individual has held the CEO post since Clarence Hughes and his son Russell co-founded the firm in 1928. Morgan came to Hughes from enfoTrust Networks of Atlanta. He has also held executive positions with Value America, U.S. Office Products and Genuine Parts Co. of Atlanta.