A Full Career

Southwire CEO retires after four decades in the industry

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," reads an October 15 press release from Southwire. "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.

Look for more on this story in the "Names and Faces" department of the December issue of Electrical Apparatus.