#USA #Dallas #City Electric Supply #Andrew Dawes #Blair Feidler

City Electric Supply's Leadership Transition: A New Era Begins

City Electric Supply (CES) has recently made headlines as it prepares for a significant leadership transition. After an impressive 33-year journey, Co-Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dawes is set to retire on April 30, 2026. This pivotal moment not only reflects Dawes’ long-standing commitment to the company but also the upliftment of his successor, Blair Feidler, who is currently the Vice President of Operations. The transition is emblematic of CES's commitment to nurturing talent from within its ranks.

Celebrating Andrew Dawes' Legacy

Dawes’ tenure at CES began in 1992 when he joined the company as a driver. Over the years, he climbed through the ranks, exhibiting unwavering dedication and strong leadership skills. In 2012, he transitioned to the role of Vice President of Operations for CES Canada and later returned to the U.S. as Co-Chief Operating Officer in 2017. His appointment as co-CEO in 2023 marked the pinnacle of his career. His leadership contributed significantly to CES’s innovation, including the launch of the CES eCommerce platform and the expansion of the fulfillment center network across North America.

In reflecting on his time at CES, Dawes stated, "With its culture of ownership and opportunity, along with the incredible individuals and teams who have supported me throughout every stage of my career, this has truly been an amazing 35-year journey at CES." His departure will certainly leave a substantial void; however, the groundwork he laid will continue to steer the company towards success.

Introducing Blair Feidler as Co-CEO

Stepping into the role of co-CEO will be Blair Feidler, who has been with CES since 1997. Feidler began his career as a driver and warehouse associate at the Monroe branch in North Carolina, where he demonstrated an early passion for the business and a remarkable work ethic. His progression through the company includes roles as an operations manager, outside sales representative, branch manager, and eventually vice president of operations.

The promotion of Feidler is seen as a natural progression within the company, highlighting CES's strategic emphasis on developing leaders internally. Global CEO Jeremy Saunders expressed confidence in Feidler's capabilities: "Blair's promotion is a testament to his leadership, deep understanding of our business, and dedication to our people. He thoroughly deserves this opportunity."

In his own words, Feidler acknowledged the trajectory of his career at CES, saying, "Having held many roles here, I've seen firsthand the dedication, passion, and talent of our teams. I look forward to working alongside John and our teams across North America to keep growing the business and building something we're all so proud of."

A Smooth Transition and Future Outlook

As Dawes readies for his retirement, CES is actively finalizing succession plans to ensure a seamless transition. Such careful considerations reinforce the company’s commitment to ongoing success and stability. The leadership changes signify more than just new appointments; they encapsulate the company's ethos of fostering talent and adapting to the evolving business landscape.

In conclusion, the leadership transition at City Electric Supply not only marks the end of an era with Andrew Dawes at the helm but also initiates a new chapter under the stewardship of Blair Feidler. As the company looks forward to the future, it remains dedicated to its legacy of growth, innovation, and service excellence, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the electrical supply industry. The employees and leadership team rally together, optimistic about maintaining the momentum and values that have made CES the successful company it is today.