AD on Thursday announced the organization has named David Kinsella as president of its Electrical–U.S. Division with the unanimous backing of the Electrical-U.S. board. He currently serves as the division’s member relations vice president and will assume his new responsibilities as president effective Sep. 21. Kinsella will be responsible for member and supplier partner engagement and growth for the division, collaborating with the AD team and other key stakeholders including the divisional board and AD member companies and supplier partners in the U.S. to deliver results and help members make the most out of their membership in the AD community, according to AD.

“Our Electrical-U.S. members are exceptional independent businesses who we’re very fortunate to work with,” Kinsella says. “It’s my honor to take on this new role and work with our members, associates and supplier partners to ensure our members stay ahead of the market.”

Adds Electrical and Industrial Business Unit President Jack Templin, “Dave is a well-rounded, dedicated and passionate leader. His advocacy for members and his efforts to drive support of AD suppliers are both widely respected and have positioned him well to be the next leader of the division.”

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AD also announced changes to the division’s supplier relations role. Electrical-U.S. Supplier VP John Kudlacek will retire as of the end of the year. During his tenure at AD, he worked to enhance a number of supplier relationships, and was a relentless advocate for the preferential support of AD suppliers, driving conversions and expanding marketing opportunities. Kudlacek has also played an integral role in leading Electrical-U.S. product committee and supplier advisory council, according to AD.  He joined AD in 2016 after holding marketing and purchasing, operations and product management, and supplier relations roles at a national electric supply distributor.

“It’s been such a joy working with our manufacturers, members and the people at AD,” Kudlacek says. “I’m grateful that I got to work with such passionate people, and enjoyed a rewarding career making a difference in our members’ businesses.”

Steven Guidry will become the Electrical-U.S. VP of supplier relations and marketing programs effective Sep. 21. Guidry brings a wealth of electrical industry experience from the distributor, manufacturer, and agency sides of the business. Guidry joins AD from Texas-based JD Martin Company, a manufacturers’ representative firm for many of AD’s electrical preferred supplier partners.  “AD and its team have garnered an unparalleled reputation in the market, and it’s an absolute thrill to be invited to join them in their mission to help their members win,” Guidry says. “I look forward to working with the division’s supplier partners to continue having a positive impact engaging with members to drive sales mix, new product sales, and increasing top-line growth.”