Southwire – Southwire CEO Rich Stinson announces retirement, upcoming Executive changes

October 15, 2025

After more than four decades of leadership in the electrical industry and a decade as President and CEO of Southwire, Rich Stinson has announced that he will retire from the company.

At the same time, the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Norman Adkins, has also announced his retirement, which will take place in April of 2026.

Since joining Southwire in 2015, Stinson’s leadership has been focused on long-term strategy, as well as continuous improvement within the company’s operating rhythms and processes. He has successfully led the business through organic growth as well as expansion via acquisition. Stinson has focused on two P&Ls – Profit and Loss and People and Lives – playing a key role in improving Southwire’s overall financial position as well as creating an extraordinary place to work. As CEO, he has inspired and continues to emphasize the importance of a company culture built on empowerment, trust, consistency and inclusion.

Most recently, Stinson has pursued a passion around the electrification of America and has been a key voice in ensuring the industry is prepared to address the opportunities and challenges ahead. He played a key role in the formation of the Alliance to Electrify America, which includes representatives from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA). This coalition aims to address the pressing challenges of re-electrification and leverage opportunities for the benefit of future generations and the economy.

“I always say that it’s a great time to be in the electrical industry and that it’s an even better time to be at Southwire… and it’s true. I have enjoyed my time at Southwire and am very proud of the work our team has done together – we’ve invested heavily in our organization, and we’ve built a strong and sustainable company that is poised to take it to the next level,” said Stinson. “My work here is now at a point where I feel accomplished and am ready to pass it along to the next leader. What makes Southwire special is our people, our values and the commitment of our team. It has been an honor to lead this company for the past ten years, and I look forward to what the future has in store.”

As Stinson transitions, Southwire is pleased to welcome Ganesh Ramaswamy to lead the company as President and CEO. Ramaswamy will join the company in December, and Stinson will serve as Executive Advisor to the CEO through the first part of 2026.

“Rich has given exceptional leadership while nurturing the special culture that defines our company. We wish him the best as he embarks on his next step,” said Southwire Chairman Roy Richards, Jr. “And as Southwire invests to support the electrical energy needs of the future, we are thrilled to welcome Ganesh. His strategic leadership and operational experience will help propel us toward even greater success and growth as a company.”

Ramaswamy is a proven executive with a track record of driving growth and value creation across diverse industries, leading large-scale P&Ls and global businesses. He currently serves as Executive Vice President, Industrial & Energy Technology for Baker Hughes, a company with a portfolio of technologies and services that span the energy and industrial value chain. In this role, he leads a $12 billion business with more than 20,000 employees worldwide. Ramaswamy also serves on the Board of PACCAR, a global manufacturer of trucks.

Throughout his career, Ramaswamy has gained executive leadership experience in a variety of industries and markets at companies including Johnson Controls, Danaher Corporation, Hoya Corporation and General Electric, among others. His strong technical foundation, strategic focus and innovation-oriented leadership have led to industry advancements, strong business performance and highly engaged and effective teams.

“I am absolutely thrilled to join Southwire. I want to thank Rich for his outstanding leadership and lasting contributions in building such a strong foundation. The legacy and reputation the company has established over the past 75 years is one of innovation, transformation and sustainability – three areas that have driven my passions and focus throughout my career,” said Ramaswamy. “Southwire and the electrical industry are positioned for tremendous growth in the years to come, and it is a privilege to step into this role. I look forward to an exciting future with this incredible team.”

Ramaswamy holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kerala, an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin. He currently resides in the Chicago area with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys hiking, sports and travel and engages in local community initiatives that promote education and economic development.

Norman Adkins, the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, is planning to retire in April 2026 with nearly four decades of industry leadership. Adkins joined Southwire in 1998, and since that time, he has focused on developing and sustaining strong and success-driven relationships within the industry while also creating a culture of ongoing learning and growth within his teams.

Adkins will continue to serve as President of the International Cablemakers Federation (ICF), where he inspires advancement in the wire and cable industry at a global level. As he approaches retirement, Adkins looks forward to traveling, spending more time with his family, cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies and Atlanta Braves and catching as many of his favorite musicians in concert as possible.

“My career at Southwire has been nothing short of amazing. Our job is, and has always been, to find ways to accelerate and drive improvements, and this spirit has led to growth like I never could have imagined when I joined the company,” said Adkins. “Southwire has been such a big part of my life, and the relationships, the teamwork, the sense of purpose… that’s what has made it so special. It’s been an incredible journey – one I’ll always be proud of and one I’ll always carry with me.”

SourceSouthwire

EMR Analysis

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

More information on Roy Richards Jr. (Chairman of the Board of Directors and Son of Southwire Founder, Roy Richards Sr., Southwire): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Rich Stinson (President and Chief Executive Officer, Southwire till December 2025 + Executive Advisor to the CEO, Southwire till July 2026): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Ganesh Ramaswamy (President and Chief Executive Officer, Southwire as from December 2025): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Norman Adkins (President of Wire and Cable and Chief Operating Officer and Responsibility for Tools, Components and Assembled Solutions (TCAS) Business, Southwire till April 2026 + President, International Cablemakers Federation (ICF) + Member of the Supplier Advisory Council (SAC), Independent Electrical Supply Division (IESD), Electrical & Industrial Business Unit, AD as from October 26, 2025): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA): http://www.nema.org/ + The electroindustry is the backbone of our nation’s energy system. We create and champion products that help people do, achieve, and experience more. We are the catalyst that makes the comforts of modern life possible. Our members:

Modernize and secure the power grid
Deliver more resilient, connected, efficient building systems
Scale distributed energy resources and storage
Meet America’s growing energy needs at a time of unprecedented demand

Together, we employ nearly a half million Americans in all 50 states and we represent a market exceeding $375 billion – a full 1% – of U.S. GDP.

Collectively, we are accelerating a more connected, resilient, innovative future powered by electricity.

NEMA was founded in 1926 as an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited standards development organization.

More information on Debra Phillips (President & Chief Executive Officer, NEMA): https://www.nema.org/about/nema-leadership + https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-phillips-4958198b/

More information on National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA): https://www.necanet.org/ + The Voice of the Electrical Construction Industry.

NECA is the voice of the $225 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the U.S.

NECA contractors are the technical professionals responsible for the most innovative and safest electrical construction in the U.S.

More information on David Long (Chief Executive Officer, NECA): https://www.necanet.org/about-neca/directories/executive-committee + https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-long-b023492

More information on NAED (National Association of Electrical Distributors): https://www.naed.org + The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) is dedicated to helping progressive distributors overcome business obstacles by delivering resources so they can own their customer. We support our members through leading-edge approaches to effectively meet personalized educational and leadership development demands. Whether through online classes, expanded research, benchmarking and data analytics capabilities, or conferences and other networking opportunities, NAED empowers members – arming them with a competitive, long-term advantage.

Electrical distribution is a multi-billion dollar industry, made up of solution providers – from salespeople, product experts, skilled and technical professionals – to warehouse associates and drivers.

We help our members by creating the knowledge electrical distributors need to improve their long-term competitive advantage:

Identify and explain trends and insights from a larger economy to a broader perspective for the industry.
Develop an understanding of contractors’ challenges so distributors can deliver valuable solutions and services.
Administer educational programs that develop employees and focus on leadership.
Define relevant issues and assist in navigating the regulatory environment.

We assist our members by transferring knowledge and insight through a variety of networking channels:

Use leading-edge approaches with education to meet the demands for our members.
Create the best distributor networking opportunities
Employ a learner focused approach to leadership and workforce education programs

More information on Wes Smith (President and Chief Executive Officer, NAED): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on NEMRA (National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association): https://www.nemra.org + The National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA), is a not-for-profit association comprised of independent sales representatives and manufacturers in the electrical industry. The association’s charter is to develop and strengthen each company’s sales, marketing, and management skills and to promote the benefits of doing business with an independent sales representative. The association also develops and maintains programs and activities designed to help these independent businesses to conduct their business in an ethical, efficient and productive manner. We strive to make our members’ businesses and partnerships stronger and more well-rounded.

More information on Jim Johnson (President & Chief Executive Officer, NEMRA): https://www.nemra.org/about/nemra-executive-committees/ + https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcjohnson/

More information on Baker Hughes: https://www.bakerhughes.com/ + We are an energy technology company. We understand the demands on energy. What it takes to produce it. How we make use of it. Why it’s essential to reduce its impact. Where we can change to achieve a sustainable balance.

Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet.

More information on Lorenzo Simonelli (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Baker Hughes): https://www.bakerhughes.com/company-leadership?team_list=46 + https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzo-simonelli/

More information on PACCAR: https://www.paccar.com + PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of premium light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR also designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines, provides financial services, information technology, and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.

Kenworth Truck Company builds premium commercial vehicles for sale in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australia and for export throughout the world. Peterbilt Motors also designs, manufactures and distributes premium commercial vehicles in the US and Canada. DAF Trucks manufactures trucks in the Netherlands, Belgium, Brasil and the United Kingdom for sale throughout Western and Eastern Europe, and export to Asia, Africa, North and South America.

PACCAR delivers its products and services to customers worldwide through an extensive dealer network of 2,200 locations. PACCAR Global sells the company’s products in more than 100 countries and is expanding its dealer network in Asia and throughout the world. Approximately half of PACCAR’s revenues and profits are generated outside the United States.

More information on R. Preston Feight (Chief Executive Officer, PACCAR): https://www.paccar.com/about-us/board-of-directors/director-bios/

More information on Johnson Controls: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/ + At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

Building on a proud history of 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.

Today, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.

More information on Joakim Weidemanis (Chief Executive Officer, Johnson Controls): https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/leadership-home-page + https://www.linkedin.com/in/joakim-weidemanis-30a4986/

More information on Danaher Corporation: https://www.danaher.com/ + Danaher is a leading global life sciences and diagnostics innovator, committed to accelerating the power of science and technology to improve human health. Our businesses partner closely with customers to solve many of the most important health challenges impacting patients around the world. Danaher’s advanced science and technology – and proven ability to innovate – help enable faster, more accurate diagnoses and help reduce the time and cost needed to sustainably discover, develop and deliver life-changing therapies. Focused on scientific excellence, innovation and continuous improvement, our approximately 63,000 associates worldwide help ensure that Danaher is improving quality of life for billions of people today, while setting the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow.

More information on Rainer M. Blair (President & Chief Executive Officer, Danaher Corporation): https://www.danaher.com/about-danaher/leadership + https://www.linkedin.com/in/rainerblair/

More information on GE: https://www.ge.com + General Electric Company (General Electric, GE or the Company) was a high-tech industrial company that today operates worldwide through three segments: Aerospace, Renewable Energy, and Power. Our products included commercial and military aircraft engines and systems; wind and other renewable energy generation equipment and grid solutions; and gas, steam, nuclear and other power generation equipment. We had significant global installed bases of equipment across these sectors, and services to support these products are also an important part of our business alongside new equipment sales.

In November 2021, we announced a strategic plan to form three industry-leading, global, investment-grade public companies from (i) our Aerospace business, (ii) our Renewable Energy, Power, Digital and Energy Financial Services businesses, which we plan to combine and refer to as GE Vernova, and (iii) our former HealthCare business. In July 2022, we announced the new brand names for our three planned future companies: GE Aerospace, GE HealthCare and GE Vernova.

More information on H. Lawrence (Larry) Culp, Jr. (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, GE + Chief Executive Officer, GE Aerospace): https://www.ge.com/about-us/leadership/profiles/lawrence-culp + https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-culp/

More information on the International Cablemakers Federation (ICF): https://icf.at/ + ICF, the International Cablemakers Federation, represents the world’s leading wire and cable manufacturers. ICF members meet annually at the ICF Congress. Founded in Vienna in 1990, ICF is a non-profit association governed by Austrian law.

EMR Additional Notes:

P&L (Profit & Loss):
- P&L, or Profit and Loss statement, is a financial report that summarizes a company’s revenues, costs, and expenses over a specific period to show its net profit or loss. Also called an income statement, it is a key tool for evaluating a business’s financial performance and profitability.
- Profit and loss (P&L) management is the way business leaders handle the increases and decreases in revenue and costs. Profit and loss management involves overseeing the incoming cash (business income) and the outgoing cash flow (business expenses) to gain a net operating profit for the business.

BS:
- BS is a Bachelor of Science, an undergraduate academic degree that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Compared to a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a BS program typically requires more coursework and technical skills directly related to the student’s major, often with lab work and a strong emphasis on practical application. These degrees are common in fields like computer science, nursing, finance, and biology, preparing graduates for specialized careers
MS:
- A Master of Science (MS) is a graduate-level degree that focuses on analytical, technical, and scientific fields, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), business, and healthcare. These programs build on a bachelor’s degree and typically require one to two years of full-time study to complete, with a curriculum that may include classroom instruction, laboratory research, and a thesis or capstone project. An MS degree is designed to prepare students for specialized careers or to continue their education in a Ph.D. program.
PhD:
- PhD is short for Doctor of Philosophy. This is an academic or professional degree that, in most countries, qualifies the degree holder to teach their chosen subject at university level or to work in a specialized position in their chosen field.
MBA:
- An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a postgraduate degree focused on general management and business principles, designed to equip individuals with the advanced leadership, strategic decision-making, and functional skills (like finance, marketing, and operations) needed to advance their careers, transition into senior roles, or launch their own ventures. It provides a broad business education and can lead to more fulfilling professional journeys and increased earning potential.