People on the Move at Rexel, Milbank, Solais and American Conduit

People of a certain age, or who watch syndicated television sitcoms, may remember a show called the Jeffersons and, at the mention of the name they get a visual remembrance but, more importantly, get transported back to the opening theme song … “Movin On Up.”

Hanna Responsible for Revenue, Marketing, Pricing & Suppliers

Rexel USA has announced that Mike Hanna was appointed Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), a move that strengthens the company’s commercial leadership as it advances its growth strategy.

In this role, Hanna will lead efforts to drive profitable growth and commercial excellence across the business, with responsibility for Sales Operations, Sales Enablement, Marketing, Pricing, and Supplier Relations.

“Mike’s appointment reflects our commitment to aligning the commercial organization around our Axelerate 2028 priorities,” said Roger Little, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rexel USA. “His experience and leadership will help us accelerate growth while driving greater alignment across the commercial organization and delivering more value for customers.”

“Axelerate 2028 is about building a stronger, more aligned commercial business that can grow with discipline and speed,” said Mike Hanna, Chief Revenue Officer of Rexel USA. “I’m honored to take on this role and excited to work across the organization to deliver value for our customers, supplier partners, and the business.”

Buelow Earns a C too

Milbank announced the promotion of Chris Buelow to President and Chief Executive Officer, Brad Skinner will transition to CEO Emeritus and retire from the company December 31, 2026, concluding four decades of service and leadership.

Buelow first joined Milbank in 2009 to launch and grow the PowerGen platform, later advancing through sales and marketing leadership roles. After broadening his executive experience with a major regional electrical distributor, he returned to Milbank in 2024 to lead PWRvance and strategic growth initiatives. Buelow was appointed President in January 2026.

Throughout his Milbank tenure, Buelow has led record-setting sales growth and profitability, developed strategies that generated more than $50 million in incremental revenue over five years, expanded businesses into new markets and product categories, and championed digital transformation.

“It is an incredible honor to lead Milbank into its next chapter. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our employees, customers and the company so many have worked to build over nearly a century. We have an exciting future ahead, focused on disciplined execution, operational excellence, investing in our people and building upon the values that have always made Milbank special,” Buelow said.

As President and CEO, Buelow will provide strategic leadership across all aspects of the business, including oversight of Milbank’s executive and functional leadership teams, while continuing to strengthen the company’s customer-focused culture and commitment to operational excellence.

Skinner’s appointment as CEO Emeritus recognizes his lasting contributions to Milbank’s growth, culture and long-term success. During his 40-year career, he held leadership roles across manufacturing, sales and executive management. He was appointed President in 2016 and CEO in 2018, guiding the company through significant growth while reinforcing its commitment to quality, innovation and customer trust. He will continue serving as an advisor throughout the remainder of 2026 to support a smooth transition.

“Brad’s leadership has left an enduring mark on Milbank,” said Katrina Henke, Chair of the Board. “His commitment to our people, customers and values has strengthened our organization and positioned us for long-term success.”

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve Milbank,” Skinner said. “I am incredibly proud of what our employees, customers and partners have accomplished together, and I have great confidence in the leadership team guiding the company’s next chapter.”

Myers to Lead West for Solais

Solais Lighting announced the appointment of Danielle Myers as Vice President of Commercial Sales – West.

Myers joins Solais after over 15 years in the architectural lighting industry, where she has built a reputation as one of the most respected commercial sales leaders in the western U.S. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside lighting designers, architects, contractors, and manufacturers’ representatives, cultivating lasting relationships, to develop lasting partnerships and help grow some of the industry’s most recognized brands.

For Solais, the addition of Myers marks another significant step in the company’s evolution.

Following the recent appointment of Chief Commercial Officer Al Near, Myers becomes the latest addition to an executive team focused on strengthening Solais’ presence across North America and reinforcing its long-term commitment to the architectural lighting market.

“Danielle has earned tremendous respect throughout our industry—not just because of what she’s accomplished, but because of how she goes about it,” said Sam Newberry, President and CEO of Solais Lighting. “She builds trust, develops lasting relationships, and genuinely cares about the success of her customers and agency partners, aligning with our own values. We’re excited she saw something in Solais that made this the right next chapter in her career, and we’re looking forward to what we’ll build together.”

In her new role as Vice President of Commercial Sales – West, Myers will report to Chief Commercial Officer Al Near and lead commercial sales throughout the western United States. She will work closely with Solais’ network of independent sales agencies and customers to support continued growth while strengthening relationships throughout the specification community.

Near added “Danielle has spent her career earning the confidence of customers and representatives by showing up, following through, and building real relationships. Those qualities matter just as much as experience. She’s a natural fit for our team, and I know our agency partners and customers throughout the West are going to enjoy working with her.”

Myers shared that “The more I learned about Solais, the more I wanted to be part of where the company is headed. I’m excited to work alongside Al and the entire team as we continue building something special.”

Watkins Leads East for AMERICAN CONDUIT

Hydro Extrusion North America appointed Kevin Watkins to the role of Eastern Regional Sales Manager for the company’s American Conduit® product brand, effective July 2026. He will lead nine rep territories from Florida to New England.

Watkins joins American Conduit from the Commodity & Project Sales Team of Synergy Electrical Sales. He has also held roles as the Eastern US Director of Sales for Cerrowire and Northeast Regional Sales Team Leader for Kris-Tech Wire.

With over 25 years of experience in the electrical market, Watkins brings significant knowledge and experience to the American Conduit sales team.

Congrats to all, and may they drive profitable sales and congratulations to Brad on his pending retirement.