City Electric Supply said longtime executive Andrew Dawes will retire as co-chief executive officer on April 30, ending a career that spanned more than three decades and included leadership roles in both the United States and Canada.
Dawes, who was appointed co-CEO in 2023, will be succeeded by vice president of operations Blair Feidler. CES said Feidler will become co-CEO on May 1, 2026, and will serve alongside current Co-CEO John Gray. All quotes below appear in the company’s official announcement.
Global CEO Jeremy Saunders said Dawes’ departure marks the closure of a lengthy tenure that began in the branches and extended into senior leadership. “Andrew has been an exceptional leader whose contributions have helped strengthen the company and our people over the years,” Saunders said. “From his early days in the branches to his role as co-CEO, he has demonstrated a commitment to excellence at every level.”
Gray, who has partnered with Dawes in the co-CEO role, said the two worked closely for years. “He has not only been a trusted partner but also a friend throughout the years,” Gray said. “We’ve accomplished a great deal together, and I’ve seen firsthand the dedication, insight, and leadership he brings to the company.”
Dawes joined CES in 1992 as a driver and moved through inside sales, branch management, and operations positions. He later became vice president of operations for CES Canada in 2012, relocated to the U.S. in 2017 as co-chief operating officer, and continued overseeing Canadian operations. During that period, he helped launch the CES ecommerce platform in 2019 and guided the expansion of the company’s fulfillment network from one site in 2018 to six across North America.
In the announcement, Dawes described his career as a “35-year journey” shaped by the company’s internal-promotion culture. “I am grateful for the relationships, experiences and accomplishments that have shaped my time here, and I leave with pride in what we’ve achieved together,” he said.
Feidler’s promotion reflects the same internal-development model. He joined CES in 1997 as a driver and warehouse associate in Monroe, N.C., and advanced through operations management, branch leadership, district, and regional management roles. In recent years, he has overseen more than 150 branches across 11 states and led development of CES One-Line Service, the company’s panelboard, and switchboard assembly offering.
Saunders said Feidler “thoroughly deserves this opportunity” and cited his 28-year history with the company. Gray said he has observed Feidler’s career since early on and noted that, like both co-CEOs, he began in branch operations.
Feidler said he is “honored” to step into the leadership role and emphasized the company’s long-serving workforce. “Having held many roles here, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication, passion and talent of our teams,” he said.
CES said it is finalizing succession plans to support a smooth transition ahead of Dawes’ departure next spring.
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