Sonepar – Sonepar Announces Retirement of François Anquetil as President of Sonepar Canada

November 24, 2023
Sonepar

George McClean has been named as successor effective March 2024

 

November 23, 2023, CHARLESTON, SC – Sonepar announced the retirement of current President of Sonepar Canada, François Anquetil, after a successful 36-year career at the company. François will remain as acting President through March 2024 as he transitions responsibilities to incoming President of Sonepar Canada, George McClean.

During his career at Sonepar, François has served as President of Lumen, Vice President of Vendor Relations, and Chief Financial Officer for Sonepar Canada. He was also President of two divisions at Sonepar France, CCE and Franco Belge (Sonepar’s very first acquisition).

Under François’ leadership, Sonepar Canada doubled in size while undertaking transformational projects which shaped the future of the organization. He led efforts that strengthened customer service and operational excellence, including state-of-the-art distribution center automation, implementing a new digital platform to accelerate an omnichannel experience, and creating specialty business capabilities to further diversify Sonepar offerings in the market.

“I am very proud of how we grew the business in Canada and in the development of careers for our associates. It’s very gratifying to watch someone who started as a sales account manager grow their career to lead a large functional area of the organization today. Sonepar has a strong entrepreneurial culture that allows associates to imagine many different opportunities for the work they do and their own professional development.” 

-François Anquetil

 

George McClean, former President of National Tire Distributors, has spent his career at companies like General Motors, and W.W. Grainger, where he worked for 10 years. George holds a BA in Social Science from Western University, a JD from Osgoode Hall Law School, an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, and is a CPA. 

“Having worked in fast-paced environments where exceeding customer needs was a daily expectation, George is an ideal choice to lead the next chapter for Sonepar Canada,” said Rob Taylor, President of Sonepar North America. “George has deep expertise in developing strategic roadmaps, leading acquisitions, accelerating adoption of analytics and digitization within an organization, and developing talent. With François having led a very well-run operation in Canada, I expect a smooth transition.”

 

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More information on Sonepar: See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Philippe Delpech (Chief Executive Officer, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Sonepar USA: https://soneparusa.com + Sonepar USA is an independent, family-owned company with global market leadership in the B-to-B distribution of electrical, industrial and safety products, services and solutions. We are a proud member of the Sonepar Group, the world’s largest privately held electrical distributor. Sonepar entered the US in 1998 and has continued to grow due to strategic acquisitions and organic growth. Today, Sonepar USA is represented by 14 locally managed operating companies with over 700 locations nationwide.

Key Figures:

  • $12.1B US Sales in 2022
  • 15 Distribution Centers
  • 450+ Branches
  • 50 States Served
  • 10,000+ Associates
  • 110,000+ Customers

More information on Rob Taylor (President, Sonepar North America, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Sonepar Canada: https://soneparcanada.com + Sonepar entered Canada in 1984 and has continued to grow due to strategic acquisitions and organic growth. 

In Canada, we are represented in nine provinces by Dixon Electric, Gescan, Lumen, MGM Electric, Sesco, and Texcan with over 1,800 associates working out of more than 100 offices between our distinctive brands.

  • Aztec Electrical Supply Inc.: https://www.aztecsupply.com/ + Aztec is an electrical wholesaler with presence across Ontario through four branches.
    • Aztec Electrical Supply is one of the most dynamic, fastest growing electrical and automation distributors in Canada. We specialize in supplying quality automation and electrical products to electrical contractors, manufacturing plants, O.E.M.s and custom machine builders. Our comprehensive inventory includes electrical and pneumatic products for breakdowns and emergencies, as well as everyday contractor and MRO requirements. We also work closely with our Partners to source specialty products that may be required for major projects.
    • Our primary focus is to provide electrical contractors, manufacturing facilities and machine builders with a single source for the sales and support of all electrical controls and automation components.
    • Aztec added over 100 associates to the Sonepar network in Canada and expected a record sales revenues of over $70 million in 2022.
  • Dixon: https://www.dixonelectric.ca + Dixon Electric is a full service electrical distributor that has been serving Northern Ontario for over 50 years.
    • For over 50 years, Dixon Electric has been servicing the electrical industry with a combination of integrity, stability and trust.
    • We take pride in our ability to provide customized solutions to exact specifications for each one of our clients, as a full line electrical distributor. Through the collaboration between Dixon Electric, our manufacturers, suppliers and our clientele, we have been able to create a synergistic environment that benefits all.
    • We specialize in the development and implementation of standard and automated product solutions, managing inventories and electrical service systems (EESS). Dixon Electric also provides engineering and consulting options such as start-up and commissioning, power, equipment and energy savings audits as well as purchase management of large-scale capital projects.
    • More information on Todd Walford (President, Ontario Region, Sonepar Canada, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
  • Gescan: https://www.gescan.com + Gescan is one of the country’s leading full-line distributors of electrical products, with solid expertise in many of Canada’s key markets.
    • Gescan started out as a division of Canadian General Electric Co. Ltd. (CGE) in the 1920’s and was known as GE Supply Sales and Distribution. Later, this division was given the acronym Gescan for General Electric Supply Canada in 1975 and the name was used even after CGE sold the operations to BRE Electric in 1983, then subsequently to Sonepar in October 1989.
    • A leader in the distribution of electrical supplies and equipment, Gescan has a unique blend of products, services and partners to fulfill industry professionals’ electrical distribution needs. We’ve strategically allied ourselves with world-class suppliers, technical experts and responsive sales teams to provide services to the residential, commercial and industrial automation and controls markets. With over 65 years of experience and 30 branches across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, we offer an improved customer experience in-store and online through our comprehensive webshop and App.  
    • Integration of Accu-Flo Meter Service Ltd. for its electrical manufacturing and assembly services division into a new branch called Gescan Solutions
    • More information on Javi Richmond (President, Gescan, Sonepar Canada, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
      • Gescan Industrial & Automation: https://www.gescanautomation.com/ + Gescan Automation is a premier distributor of automation, process and electrical products for the industrial, utilities and process markets.
        • Our team of focused technical sales and support specialists, and leading vendor partners, continually collaborate to bring clients advanced products and solutions. Gescan assists customers with training, service, support and application engineering for the toughest of processes.
        • As a division of Sonepar Canada, the country’s largest privately-held electrical products’ distributor and a supplier of safety, facilities maintenance and MRO products and services, Gescan has an enviable reputation of being an expert supplier and consultant in the automation and process marketplace.
      • Gescan Solutions (Accu-Flo Meter Service Ltd.): https://www.accuflo.com/ + Accu-Flo Meter Service Ltd is a privately owned diversified business that empowers its employees to sell and service liquid measurement and electrical goods to vertical markets.
        • The company has been engaged in the Municipal, C&I, Downstream Petroleum, Municipal, Agriculture and Industrial sectors. Our product and sales divisions are supplemented by our Service, Electrical and Manufacturing divisions, which enables us to provide our dedicated customers with a creative one stop shop for their individual needs.
        • In 2003, the Company opened a new electrical manufacturing facility that manufactures and customizes electrical distribution panels, video loss detection devices, surge suppression devices (TVSS), and custom batch systems.
  • Lumen: https://www.lumen.ca/en/ + Lumen is Quebec’s largest distributor of electrical equipment.
    • We are the largest distributor of electrical and automation equipment in Quebec. With a network of more 38 branches in Quebec, Ontario and the Atlantic provinces.
    • The company was founded in St. Eustache in 1962 and has been part of the worldwide Sonepar Group since 1984. Its new ultra-modern 385,000 sq. ft. distribution center and its network of 38 branches allow to deliver anywhere in Québec within 24 hours. Our mission is to make life easier for our customers and to meet the industry’s most rigorous standards by offering our services, expertise and products. Our vision is to be on the leading-edge and remain the benchmark in our fields of activity. Our products and services are designed for the following sectors: commercial, residential, industrial, OEM, institutional, municipal and mining. Our team’s priority is to meet the highest expectations of our clients who operate in every sector of the industry.
    • More information on Serge Leblanc (President, Lumen, Sonepar Canada, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
  • MGM: https://www.mgm-electric.com + MGM Electric is a full-service electrical distributor that has been serving the Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario area for over 25 years.
    • MGM Electric – A Sonepar Company, is the leading electrical distributor servicing the Thunder Bay and North Western Ontario region. For more than 30 years, we have proudly been supporting our community and serving the electrical industry with knowledge, honesty, and integrity. With over 29 employees in 2 locations, MGM Electric is committed to providing excellent customer service, quality products, and customized solutions for the Electrical Contractor, Mining, Forestry, and Pulp & Paper Industries.
    • More information on Tere McDonald (President, MGM, Sonepar Canada, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
  • Sesco: https://www.sesco.ca + Sesco is a B2B distributor of electrical products for commercial, residential, and industrial markets in Canada.
    • SESCO, a full line electrical distributor, provides our customers with quality products, exceptional customer service and the know-how to become a dependable source for people in the professional trades.
    • We have 10 branches across the 401 corridor from Belleville to Hamilton. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable staff strive to provide the best quality service always – at our counters, with our deliveries and through our project team.
    • We offer COMMERCIAL expertise from small developments and design build consortium teams to specification driven engineered projects.
    • We provide complete home solutions for RESIDENTIAL construction; from small residences and multi-dwelling complexes to condo’s and custom built one-of-a-kind homes.
    • We deliver a complete INDUSTRIAL electrical solution for the entire plant operation; from the front parking lot to the back loading dock and everything in between.
    • Established in 1922, SESCO has built our reputation by cultivating strong customer relationships with the understanding that we can only be successful when our customer’s are successful. Our customers trust and depend on us to supply their jobs with premium materials, at competitive pricing and top notch service.
  • Texcan: https://www.texcan.com + Texcan is one of the largest electrical and electronic wire and cable distributors in Canada.
    • Texcan has been a leader in the wire and cable industry since 1978, consistently going above and beyond to serve our customers. As one of Canada’s largest wire and cable suppliers, our core business focuses on the electrical market, offering an extensive range of products and specialized services.
    • More information on Chris Golf (President, Texcan, Sonepar Canada, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Francois Anquetil (Acting President, Sonepar Canada, Sonepar till March 2024): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on George McClean (iIncoming President, Sonepar Canada, Sonepar till March 2024): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Dan Drazilov (Vice-President of Mergers & Acquisitions and Business Development, Sonepar Canada, Sonepar): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services