Contractor and industrial supplies buying group AD announced April 17 that it has appointed Chris Marlow as President of the AD’s Independent Electrical Supply Division (IESD), effective May 1.

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Marlow brings more than 25 years of electrical industry leadership experience to the role. Since 2023, he’s led U.S. and LATAM installation products sales at ABB. He spent the prior three years at Cerrowire, following more than 18 years at sales leadership roles at Southwire.

In his new role, Marlow will lead the IESD division and work in close partnership with AD leadership, the IESD Board and AD’s member and supplier partners. 

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The IESD was formed as a result of AD’s merger with IMARK Electrical that completed in September 2024. Today, the unit represents more than 700 independent electrical distributors in the U.S.

“Chris is a highly regarded and respected leader within the electrical segment. His industry experience, market insight, and commitment serving independent distributors will be a tremendous asset to our team,” said Marisol Fernandez, President of AD’s Electrical & Industrial business unit. “I am looking forward to partnering with him and our Divisional Board to build the next chapter in IESD’s future.”

Marlow succeeds Karen Baker, who announced her retirement earlier this year.

“Throughout my career, I have had the great pleasure of working for several outstanding manufacturers alongside the best distributors in the business. I have a passion for people, relationships, and growing together in this remarkable industry,” Marlow added. “I am honored to be joining AD and to be leading their largest division. I look forward to working closely with our best-in-class independent distributors, supplier partners, and the incredible team of AD associates. What a wonderful time it is to be in the electrical industry.”