Rexel, global distributor of electrical supplies, has made Chris Hartmann the CEO of IESC, the holding company of Rexel’s U.S. activities, effective Jan. 21.
 
He takes over from Dick Waterman, who is retiring but will stay on as an advisor to Rexel and will serve as chairman of the National Association of Electrical Distributors.
 
Hartmann will oversee the coordination between Gexpro and Rexel Inc, the Group’s two commercial banners in the U.S.
 
Since 2006, Chris Hartmann has served as executive vice president and Chief Operating Office of Thomas &Betts, a manufacturer of electrical products, and president of the manufacturer’s electrical division from 2003-2006.
 
He was president &COO of Affiliated Distributors, and held several management positions with Rockwell Automation.
 
Rexel has also made changes at Gexpro (formerly GE Supply), where Mitch Williams was appointed Senior Vice President and CEO to replace Jeff Schaper who has retired. Williams was previously Vice President, Global Sales, at Gexpro.
 
At Rexel Inc, Jeremy de Brabant was appointed Senior Vice President and CEO. Brabant was previously managing director of Rexel in the UK.