Graybar, a big distributor of electrical, industrial, automation, and connectivity products, has appointed Edward Fenton as vice president of AI and digital transformation, the company announced Tuesday.
Fenton most recently served as vice president of customer and field platforms at Ecolab, where he oversaw enterprise-wide digital engagement and modernization initiatives. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles at Univar, focusing on strategic digital solutions that improved customer experience and operational performance. He holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Purdue Global.
The appointment signals a continued push by Graybar to expand its digital capabilities as part of a broader, multi-year transformation strategy. This includes ongoing investments in Graybar.com, its e-commerce platform, and Graybar Connect, the company’s digital customer portal and order management system. Graybar Connect integrates real-time inventory visibility, procurement workflows, and analytics tools aimed at improving supply chain efficiency for its customers.
“As Graybar moves forward with our multi-year business transformation, we are investing in artificial intelligence and leading-edge technologies that will shape the way we work and serve our customers,” said Bill Mansfield, senior vice president of strategy and business development at Graybar, in a company statement. “Ed has an impressive background in distribution, IT, and customer experience that positions him well to lead Graybar’s AI strategy. He will also support the next stages of Graybar Connect and other key initiatives to elevate the customer experience and accelerate our long-term growth.”
Graybar has steadily expanded its digital infrastructure in recent years to support a growing share of e-commerce orders. The company said Graybar.com provides customers with around-the-clock access to product availability, pricing, and order tracking across its network of more than 350 distribution facilities in North America. Investments in automation and digital logistics have also enhanced the company’s capabilities for same-day shipping and value-added services tailored to contractors, utilities, and industrial customers.
Founded in 1869 and headquartered in St. Louis, Graybar is one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America. It distributes products from thousands of manufacturers and offers a range of supply chain and logistics services.
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