People in the News

IMARK Group

Jerry Knight, President Emeritus, IMARK Electrical and Bob Smith, President, IMARK

According to a press release from IMARK Group,

“After more than 20 years of outstanding service to IMARK Electrical members and suppliers, Jerry Knight has announced his retirement.

At the request of the IMARK Electrical Board of Directors, Jerry will immediately assume the role of President Emeritus through 2024, supporting IMARK Electrical and IMARK Group on several key initiatives.

Also at this time, John Thompson, Chairman, IMARK Electrical Board of Directors has announced the return of Bob Smith as President & CEO.

Effective immediately, Bob will begin leading IMARK Electrical with Jerry Knight and the Executive Team reporting to him. Bob will work with the Board to further IMARK Electrical’s value proposition for members and suppliers.”

According to sources, some expressed concern that the leadership change may have been due to health reasons. I have been told that this is not the case, and that Jerry is doing what many of us wish we could do … getting a head start on retirement! (But, knowing Bob, he’ll have Jerry focused on those key initiatives!”

Turtle

Turtle announced Teesee Murray as its Chief Strategy Officer.  At a time when Turtle is accelerating the transition to sustainable energy by advancing innovative customer solutions, Murray brings C-suite experience as a growth-oriented changemaker with a deep knowledge of technology that includes AI and Enterprise Automation.

Murray will support the new co-CEOs of Turtle, Jayne Millard and Luis Valls.

“We are thrilled to welcome Teesee whose inspirational leadership will fuel our ambitious plans for energy-forward ways to work, move and play,” says Jayne Millard, Executive Chairman of the Board and Co-CEO of Turtle. “With her attention firmly fixed on fostering innovation through our people, passion and purpose, we will benefit from her strategic strengths in culture-building, customer success and executive alliances as we forge new pathways for our customers in energy transition.”

“Teesee’s extraordinary background spans more than 25 years of global leadership in distribution, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. Her breadth of experience brings diversity of thought to the leadership team and aligns with Turtle’s customer focus on sustainability in both the public and private sectors,” adds Luis Valls, Turtle Co-CEO.

In her new role, Murray will lead Turtle’s transformation strategy. Key areas of focus are innovative solutions, go-to-market initiatives, partner ecosystem, ESG, and Turtle’s micro-investment strategy. Murray has a passion and proven track record for building and operating high-performing teams that deliver record-setting results while creating strong relationships.

Trimble

Bob Stone of Trimble (Trade Service) to Retire

Stone, who came to Trade Service in 2000, and prior to that worked in the same industry for the Howard W. Sams Company for 21 years, is retiring at the end of this year.

“It has been my honor to have served so many great people and companies over the last 23 years at Trade Service, and at Howard W. Sams prior to that.  I will miss everyone in the industry, but I look forward to the next chapter of my life. Trade Service has been like a family to me for so long that it is hard to imagine stepping away, but I know they are in great hands for the future.”  Stone began his career at Trade Service leading the product management team and went on to manage customer support, sales, and technology partnerships in his role as VP Business Development.  In retirement Stone will keep busy with family, woodworking, golf, cooking, and serving in his local church.

Here’s a link to Bob’s LinkedIn profile to congratulate him.

Stone is transitioning his Trade Service responsibilities to Rachel Slade, who can be contacted at Rachel_slade@trimble.com.