WAYNE, PA — After six years as president of AD’s Electrical Business Unit and chief marketing officer, Ed Crawford has elected to retire effective April 24, 2020, following Electrical’s spring network meeting. Seizing Crawford’s retirement as an opportunity to make organizational improvements aimed at delivering legendary service to members, AD will be forming an Electrical and Industrial Business Unit and promoting Jack Templin to lead the new unit.
Crawford (left) and Templin (right)
“During Ed’s tenure with us, he helped build and develop a great team in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, increased member and supplier engagement, revitalized member recruitment and brought on some long sought-after strategic suppliers,” Weisberg said. “As CMO, Ed was also responsible for leading our rebranding efforts to include introduction of AD’s tagline, “Together, We Win,” and leading our start-up in Mexico, which has grown to represent over 25% local market share.
Crawford is thankful for his time with the AD team working on behalf of members.
“I’m extremely proud of the work we’ve done together – members, suppliers and the entire AD Electrical and marketing team - to enable our independent electric distributors to win in the marketplace,” Crawford said.
Constantly evaluating how the organization can best add value to its members, Weisberg announced details about the E&I Business Unit, composed of Electrical-U.S., Canada and Mexico, industrial and Safety–U.S. and Canada, and Bearings and Power Transmission divisions.
At the helm will be Jack Templin, currently the Industrial and Safety Business Unit president, who is being promoted as E&I’s president. In addition to his expanded role, Templin will continue as chief programs officer.
“During Jack’s eight-plus years with AD, he has built a phenomenal team, successfully led us through two mergers, drove the creation of and manages AD e-Commerce solutions, and delivered a remarkable 21% compounded annual average growth rate,” Weisberg said, noting Templin’s long-time career experience in both industrial and electrical channels.
Of his added scope, Templin said, “I thank Bill and the board of directors for entrusting me with the responsibility of what’s already an incredibly strong business unit at AD. I’d also like to thank the spectacular ISD team and all associates for their ongoing contributions to our shared mission. I look forward to adding value for our members and working with the new team.”
Given the growing strategic importance of AD’s corporate marketing function, which is an enabler in growing member participation in multi-divisional programs, services and meetings, and recruiting new members, Ted Simpson, SVP of marketing, will report directly to Weisberg.
“We continuously evaluate our organizational structure to ensure that we are well-positioned to support our corporate strategy on behalf of our members,” Weisberg added. “On behalf of the AD team, I wish Ed and his family the very best in this next chapter and offer Jack my continued support as he evolves our newly established business unit.”
AD is the largest contractor and industrial products wholesale buying group in North America. AD provides independent distributors and manufacturers of construction and industrial products with support and resources that accelerate growth. The group's 800-plus independent member owners span 12 divisions in the US, Mexico and Canada with annual sales exceeding $40 billion. AD’s 12 divisions cover industries including electrical, industrial, safety, bearings and power transmission, plumbing, PVF, HVAC, decorative brands and building materials.
