AD appointed Turtle Co-CEO and President Luis Valls and Van Meter Inc. President & CEO Lura McBride to the AD Electrical – U.S. Division Board, effective Jan. 1.

Turtle, a fourth generation, family-owned that just surpassed 100 years in operation of supplying customers with electrical and industrial supplies and services. It ranked No. 17 on MDM’s 2023 Top Electrical Distributors List. Valls was named the company’s co-CEO in November 2023 after 22 years with the company, most recently leading its Electrical Division as President.

“Luis has proven himself to be an outstanding sales and technology leader. He brings a wealth of experience in all aspects of the electrical industry, independent distribution and sales leadership,” AD Electrical-US Division President Karen Baker said in a Jan. 10 news release. “Having spearheaded several successful company transformations and demonstrating a keen understanding of market dynamics, he is poised to provide invaluable insights into expanding AD’s presence in new and emerging markets.”

Lura McBride is President and CEO at Van Meter Inc., a 100% employee-owned electrical and automation distributor with more than 850 employee-owners in 25 locations across seven states. She joined Van Meter in 2008 as Vice President of Organizational Effectiveness, was promoted to COO in 2010 and named President and CEO in 2016. 

McBride was named NAED’s 2023 Trailblazer, a distinguished recognition given to a woman who has had an exceptional career in distribution and positive impact on supporting women in the electrical distribution industry.

Van Meter was No. 15 on MDM’s Top Electrical Distributors List.

“Lura’s exceptional track record in building high-performance cultures is set to elevate our strategic direction,” Baker added. “With a proven history of driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of innovation, she will play a pivotal role in helping to steer the Electrical – U.S. division’s strategic priorities.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Luis Valls and Lura McBride to AD’s Electrical – US. Divisional Board of Directors,” said Marisol Fernandez, President of AD’s Electrical & Industrial Business Unit. “Their combined expertise, vision, and strategic foresight will undoubtedly propel this division to new heights. The appointment of these distinguished individuals reflects AD’s unwavering dedication to assembling divisional boards comprised of member owners with diverse perspectives and comprehensive industry knowledge.”