Hartmann to Leave Rexel Towards End of Year
Over the past few years many have wondered when, and if, Rexel could be turned around and some have expressed surprise that Chris Hartmann remained the Rexel’s North American leader given the shorter tenures of some of his predecessors.
Chris, according to many, is an accomplished executive who is well-thought of and has a strong pedigree within the electrical industry having been with companies like Thomas and Betts, Affiliated Distributors and Rockwell.
As many know, Rexel has been “challenged” for many years experiencing subpar growth, extensive turnover, having issues with acquisition integrations as well as software deployment. Now the company is working on implementing an RDC model and, according to many, is going through a supplier rationalization process which has been “rocky”.
These operational challenges were exacerbated by the recent economic challenges and a greater reliance on the resi / commercial construction market (even though they do have some Rockwell APRs).
The announcement, which went to employees and the trade today stated:
Christopher Hartmann, EVP and CEO of Rexel Holdings USA and Rexel Executive Committee member, has announced his intention to leave Rexel towards the end of the year. Chris Hartmann’s decision to leave Rexel after more than six years with the company is a personal one, but he remains in charge and committed to ensure business continuity and a smooth transition until a successor is in place. The process of selecting his successor is underway. I want to thank Chris for his strong contribution during his tenure at the helm of Rexel’s U.S. operations and wish him every success for the future. Rudy ProvoostCEO and Chairman of the Management Board
Some feedback we’ve heard:
- Many changes there and a lot of unhappy people.
- Rationalization reportedly is not going smoothly.
- You will probably hear more in the days ahead.
- About 28 people let go in late April. Some people came in from Paris to make the changes. Marketing people, planning people, accounting and more. Thought it was strange that Paris had to come in to make the changes and Chris couldn’t / didn’t make the decisions.
- Seems to support ongoing restructuring and pressure to perform.
- The year got off to a rough start as well and I’m sure that didn’t help.
- A lot of closed doors over the past few days, knew it was coming and finally it came out as a personal reason.
- Dealing with the French is no fun.
- Where Rexel goes next?
- is the next person someone currently in the North American operation? Someone whom Rexel will promote from somewhere else in their network? An import from Paris? Or will they pursue someone from a manufacturer? Or perhaps go to someone outside the industry but with distribution experience?
- What do Rexel employees think? Will this increase departures or will they hold the fort, continue the turnaround efforts and work to improve the company?