City Electric Supply has tapped Vice President of Operations Blair Feidler to become co-CEO following the April 30, 2026, retirement of current co-CEO Andrew Dawes. Feidler will serve alongside co-CEO John Gray, the company said.

This leadership transition for the Dallas-based electrical wholesale distributor marks a new chapter for CES and reflects the family-owned company’s long-standing emphasis on developing leaders from within, according to City Electric Supply.

“Blair’s promotion is a testament to his leadership, deep understanding of our business, and dedication to our people,” Global CEO Jeremy Saunders said in a statement. “He thoroughly deserves this opportunity, and I look forward to working closely with him in the years ahead.”

Saunders said the move reflects CES’ “strong bench of talent,” noting Feidler’s 28-year history with the company and close partnership with the leadership team in building momentum across North America.

Gray also praised the incoming co-CEO.

“I met Blair early in his career at CES and saw a drive in him that can’t be taught,” Gray said. “I’ve watched him grow—and had the privilege to be part of that growth—ever since. Like Andrew and me, he began in the branches and advanced through operations. I look forward to partnering with Blair and continuing the culture and values that make CES special.”

Feidler began his CES career in 1997 as a driver and warehouse associate at the Monroe branch in North Carolina. Within a year, he was promoted to operations manager, then to outside sales, and by 2000 became branch manager, opening the Westinghouse branch in Charlotte.

Over the next two decades, he advanced through several positions as district manager, regional manager, and vice president of operations. In his most recent role, he has overseen the growth of more than 150 branches across 11 states.

Feidler also led the development of the CES One-Line Service, described as a first-of-its-kind panelboard and switchboard assembly service powered by a partnership with a top industry vendor and supported by CES fulfillment centers across North America.

“Our company is such a special place for so many people. Having the opportunity to serve as co-CEO is very important to me, and I’m truly honored by this opportunity,” Feidler said. “Having held many roles here, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication, passion, and talent of our teams. I look forward to working alongside John and our teams across North America to keep growing the business and building something we’re all so proud of.”

Championing growth and innovation

Dawes leaves a legacy of growth and leadership that spans more than 30 years at CES, the company said. He joined CES in 1992 as a driver and advanced through roles in inside sales, branch management, and operations management.

He became vice president of operations for CES Canada in 2012 and moved to the U.S. in 2017 as co-chief operating officer, continuing to oversee Canadian operations while helping launch new initiatives such as the CES eCommerce platform in 2019 and specialized departments including National Solutions.

Dawes was also a leader in company-wide innovation, expanding the fulfillment center network from one location in 2018 to six locations across North America today, CES said.

“Andrew has been an exceptional leader whose contributions have helped strengthen the company and our people over the years,” Saunders said. “From his early days in the branches to his role as co-CEO, he has demonstrated a commitment to excellence at every level, and we would like to thank Andrew for his incredible service and wish him the very best of health and happiness in his well-deserved retirement.”

Gray said Dawes has been central to the company’s progress.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Andrew for many years, previously as co-COO and currently as co-CEO,” Gray said. “He has not only been a trusted partner but also a friend throughout the years. We’ve accomplished a great deal together, and I’ve seen firsthand the dedication, insight, and leadership he brings to the company. It has been an honor to work alongside him.”

Dawes expressed gratitude for a long career at CES.
“With its culture of ownership and opportunity, along with the incredible individuals and teams who have supported me throughout every stage of my career, this has truly been an amazing 35-year journey at CES,” Dawes said.

“I am grateful for the relationships, experiences, and accomplishments that have shaped my time here, and I leave with pride in what we’ve achieved together.”

CES is a family-owned, third-generation electrical wholesale distributor that supplies electrical products and services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the U.S.

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