SHAWNEE, Kan. — EiKO Global, LLC, a Kansas City-based manufacturer and distributor of lighting products, announced the retirement of Gary Withers as CEO, effective December 31. At that time, Rick Laird, current President of EiKO Global, assumed the role of President/CEO.
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Under Wither’s 33 years of leadership, EiKO grew from a small family business to a global lighting manufacturer with offices on three continents. “This journey would not be possible without the help and commitment of all those who are working or have worked for EiKO in these almost 40 years, as well as the thousands of customers, reps and vendors throughout the world,” Withers said. “I will always cherish the many friends around the world I have made in my journey.” Withers will continue to serve in a consulting role and board member of EiKO Global. |
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“We are truly grateful for Gary’s leadership to make EiKO into what it is today,” Laird said. “I look forward to building on his legacy and continuing EiKO’s tradition of providing the widest selection of high-quality products in the industry.” “I have the utmost respect and confidence in Rick taking the reins,” Withers said. “I fully believe Rick will take the business to the next level and beyond with his leadership.” |
Laird began his career in the lighting business at Philips Lighting in 1990, moved to OSRAM SYLVANIA in 1995, and joined EiKO in 2007. During his career, he has spent time in several different roles in product development, sales/marketing, and Business Unit Management. Laird became EiKO President in 2012.Tagged with CEO, lighting, retirement, tED