Graybar is preparing for a major leadership shift as two long-time executives plan to retire next year, prompting a series of promotions across the distributor’s senior ranks.
Chief of staff and board member Dennis DeSousa will retire April 1, capping a 40-year career with the company. Senior vice president of sales Ellen Rebne will retire Jan. 1, after more than 36 years at Graybar.
To maintain continuity, the distributor is consolidating key commercial and operational functions under one leader. Senior vice president of supply chain management Andy Ipson will step into an expanded role as senior vice president of sales and service effective Jan. 1. He will oversee sales strategy while continuing to lead operations and supply chain.
Three additional promotions will take effect on the same day:
- Regis Ganley to vice president of market development.
- Paul Steckler to vice president of investment and inventory management.
- W. Russell Wood to vice president of category management.
In a statement, CEO Kathleen Mazzarella praised the retiring leaders for what she called “a remarkable example of commitment and leadership,” adding that the new team is expected to advance Graybar’s long-term growth and transformation strategy.
Employee-owned Graybar is among the largest electrical, industrial, automation and connectivity distributors in North America, operating more than 350 distribution facilities and supplying thousands of manufacturers’ products to commercial, industrial, and utility customers.
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