WESCO and Anixter recently announced the future leadership team and organizational structure that will become effective upon the completion of the merger of the two companies. The transaction is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2020, subject to the satisfaction of remaining closing conditions.
"We are very pleased to reach this critical milestone and announce the formation of our future senior leadership team comprised of outstanding leaders from both WESCO and Anixter,” said John Engel, chairman, president and CEO of the company. “The depth of talent across both organizations is reflected in this exceptionally strong executive management team that will lead our combined company through the integration process and our transformation into the premier global electrical and data communications distribution and supply chain solutions company. I look forward to working with this team as we utilize the best elements of the combined company to deliver our synergy commitments and create substantial value for our customers, suppliers, employees, and investors. The senior leadership team will consist of leaders of three global Strategic Business Units (SBUs), as well as the company's corporate finance, human resources, legal and supply chain/operations functions. In addition, WESCO announced a new chief transformation officer position with responsibility for completion of the integration process, aligning the company's IT systems and digital transformation efforts, and extending WESCO's historical strength of lean processes across the entire enterprise. These eight senior leadership positions are effective at closing and will report directly to me."
Nelson Squires, currently senior vice president and chief operating officer for WESCO, will become executive vice president and general manager of electrical and electronic solutions. Squires has held his current position since 2019, and has led WESCO Canada since joining the company in 2015, gaining additional responsibility for the WIS and international businesses in 2018. Prior to joining WESCO, Squires held various vice president and general manager positions with Air Products & Chemicals Inc.
Bill Geary, currently executive vice president of network and security solutions for Anixter, will become executive vice president and general manager of communications and security solutions. Geary has held his current position since 2017. Previously, he held a variety of senior management roles at Accu-Tech, including president.
Jim Cameron, currently vice president and general manager of utility and broadband for WESCO, will become executive vice president and general manager of utility and broadband Solutions. Cameron joined WESCO in 2011 and has led utility since 2014, and gained additional responsibility for broadband in 2016. Prior to joining WESCO, Cameron held various senior positions with Irby, a Sonepar company, as senior vice president of the utility group as well as vice president of marketing and operations. Earlier in his career, he held various positions with Hubbell Power Systems.
Dave Schulz, currently senior vice president and chief financial officer of WESCO, will become executive vice president and chief financial officer. He has served in his current position since 2016. Prior to joining WESCO, Schulz was senior vice president and chief financial officer at Armstrong World Industries. Earlier in his career, he held various financial leadership positions at Procter & Gamble and the J.M. Smucker Company.
Ted Dosch, currently executive vice president of finance and chief financial officer of Anixter, will become executive vice president, strategy and chief transformation officer. Dosch has served in his current position since 2011 and previously held the position of senior vice president of global finance for Anixter. Prior to joining Anixter, he held senior positions, including CFO-North America and vice president – Maytag Integration at Whirlpool Corporation.
Diane Lazzaris, currently senior vice president and general counsel of WESCO, will become executive vice president and general counsel. Lazzaris has served in her current position since 2014 and previously held the position of vice president of legal affairs for WESCO. Prior to joining WESCO, Lazzaris served as general counsel and corporate secretary at Dick's Sporting Goods. Earlier in her career, she held various leadership positions in Alcoa's legal department.
Chris Wolf, currently senior vice president and chief human resources officer of WESCO, will become executive vice president and chief human resources officer. Wolf has served in her current position since 2018. Prior to joining WESCO, she served as chief human resources officer of Orbital ATK Inc. until its acquisition by Northrop Grumman, and previously was chief human resources officer of Fannie Mae and E*Trade Financial Corporation.
Hemant Porwal, currently vice president of global supply chain and operations of WESCO, will become executive vice president of supply chain and operations. Porwal has held his current position since 2015. Previously, he served as vice president and chief procurement officer with Sears Holdings. Earlier in his career, Porwal held various financial, supply chain and operations leadership positions at PepsiCo.
WESCO says it will share further details about its integration planning and anticipated operational and reporting structure once the transaction closes.
