Affiliated Distributors has appointed longtime distribution executive John Henkels as president of its newly created waterworks division, effective Jan. 1. His selection follows AD’s merger with The Commonwealth Group, a move that positions the buying group to expand more deeply into the waterworks channel.
In the new role, Henkels will guide strategy, operations, and member engagement as AD builds out a dedicated division for waterworks distributors and suppliers. The unit is designed to operate separately from AD’s plumbing business, reflecting what the company sees as distinct market needs, customer demands, and product requirements across the water and wastewater infrastructure sector.
Henkels brings three decades of experience leading large distribution, operations, and business-development teams. He most recently served as vice president and chief operating officer at Iconix Waterworks (U.S.), where he oversaw national operations, branch expansion, and acquisition activity. His earlier roles include senior leadership positions at Clockwork Home Services, Goodman Manufacturing, and Wesco Distribution, where he managed turnarounds and drove sustained gains in revenue and market share.
AD CEO Bill Weisberg said the formation of the Waterworks Division represents a significant next step in the organization’s support for independent distributors, emphasizing that market opportunities in waterworks require a resolute structure and leadership model. Weisberg said Henkels’ operational background and record of growth will help accelerate the division’s launch and long-term development.
Henkels said he sees the new role as an opportunity to strengthen the independent channel’s position in the waterworks sector, adding that AD’s established platform provides a solid foundation for expanding member capabilities, supplier relationships, and shared programs.
The company said the division will focus immediately on building governance, onboarding members, and aligning suppliers as AD prepares for a full rollout of programs in 2026.
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