Latest from People
CX Connexion/Graybar (Chicago, IL)
The compay announced two key promotions: Kyle Hanson to president and Kathy Raby to COO, effective Jan. 1, 2026. These appointments are the result of a structured succession plan that has been in development for the past year.
Hanson, who currently serves as executive VP of Sales, has more than 30 years of electrical industry experience. Raby has been the company’s CFO since 2021 and has a strong background across several industries.
In their new roles, Hanson and Raby will assume responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the business, leading CX into its next chapter of growth and innovation. The company’s co-founders, David Rosenstein and COO Steve Abrams, will transition to advisory roles to support the company and its leadership during this transition.
Schneider Electric, (Boston, MA)
Chris Collins was appointed senior VP of Digital Buildings for the U.S., effective July 1. He is a 32-year veteran of the buildings industry and has spent the last 22 years at Schneider Electric, most recently serving as Ireland Country President. In his new role, he will lead the Digital Buildings segment in the U.S., spearheading the strategy to build more resilient, human-centric, sustainable and efficient buildings across the country.
“Buildings are dynamic ecosystems adapting to the evolving needs of those who use them,” Collins said in the press release. “With electrification and digitalization making buildings smarter and more efficient, this is an exciting time for our industry.”
Collins previously directed growth and strategy for Schneider Electric Ireland and supporting Irish customers with their sustainability transformations. Before moving to Ireland in 2021, he held leadership roles in the Global Digital Energy line of business and the U.S. Digital Energy team. He will be based at the company’s Dallas Hub; report to Aamir Paul, president of North America Operations; and serve on Schneider Electric’s North American leadership team.
Collins has an MBA from Loyola University Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in information management systems from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He succeeds James Mylett, who successfully led U.S. Digital Buildings for eight years and recently left the company.
Wiseway Supply (Florence, KY)
John Cain, retired president and CEO, was inducted into the University of Kentucky-Gatton School of Business and Economics’ hall of fame on April 9. He is a 1986 graduate of the university and served as a student body president and trustee to the University of Kentucky board of trustees. He also serves on the dean’s advisory council; has served three terms on the UK Alumni Association board of directors; serves on the leadership advisory council; and is a UK presidential fellow. He is also the immediate past chair of the National Association of Electrical Distributors.
Dialight (Wall Township, NJ): Ben Myers was promoted to global VP of sales enablement, according to a Linkedin post. He also served as regional sales manager-Mid Atlantic; director of sales-East, and director of strategic accounts-North America.
REP NEWS
Hammond Power Solutions (HPS), Guelph, Ontario a developer of dry-type transformers and power quality solutions announced a strategic partnership with McAuliffe Sales, a manufacturer representative agency. McAuliffe Sales will represent HPS in Indiana and Kentucky, expanding HPS’s market reach and enhancing customer support in these geographies.
DeFazio will represent Greaves in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia and the Carolinas. Greaves has manufactured electrical connectors since 1947, including USA-made insulated power distribution blocks, PT-FX Shoo-pin and PT-R Reducer compression adapters, Jones Bond System rebar clamps and FX compression lugs. Headquartered in Glen Allen, VA,DeFazio covers Maryland and Washington D.C., Virginia and the Carolinas.
OBITUARY
Dr. Brett Lane, Panduit’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), passed away on April 25. In his role as CTO, Dr. Lane was responsible for driving sustainable business growth by delivering a continuous flow of innovative solutions through research, advanced development and corporate entrepreneurship.
“Brett’s passion for innovation was truly contagious, touching everyone who had the privilege of working with him,” said Shannon McDaniel, Panduit president and CEO in a press statement. “Over his 25-year career in engineering and product management at Panduit, he was a tireless champion for curiosity, invention and excellence.”
“Before becoming CTO in 2018, Dr. Lane held a variety of technical and commercial leadership positions within the Panduit R&D organization. Additionally, his contributions to the communications industry through standards development organizations and technical forums have enhanced Panduit as an industry leader. Dr. Lane was respected widely as an industry expert with a highly collaborative style, holding multiple leadership positions within the domestic and international standards community. He also authored over 40 technical publications and holds 19 U.S. patents.