John Engel’s tenure as CEO of Wesco International has been defined by his ability to lead through adversity and harness opportunities in the face of global challenges. From steering the company through the Great Recession to integrating two industry giants during the COVID-19 pandemic, Engel’s leadership is marked by strategic agility and a deep commitment to long-term value creation. His business philosophy centers on evolving with the times, which he credits to a relentless pursuit of lifelong learning and maintaining a balanced focus on both immediate and future goals. Engel’s approach to leadership is not just about navigating crises but also about seizing the moment to redefine and strengthen the company’s market position.
Engel joined Wesco in 2004 as Chief Operating Officer and was appointed CEO in 2009. Under his leadership, Wesco has made significant strides, including the high-profile $4.5 billion merger with Anixter International in 2020. This merger, executed in the midst of a global pandemic, was a pivotal moment that tested Engel’s ability to manage complex operational and financial challenges. His extensive experience, which includes roles at Gateway, Perkin Elmer, and General Electric, equipped him with the skills needed to navigate these challenges. Today, Wesco is a Fortune 200 company with over $22 billion in revenue and operations in more than 50 countries, a testament to Engel’s effective leadership.
Another defining aspect of Engel’s leadership is his focus on culture and digital transformation. He believes that while strategy is crucial, it is the culture that truly drives a company’s success. This belief guided the integration process of Wesco and Anixter, where he leveraged the strengths of both organizations to build a unified, resilient company. Moreover, Engel has been instrumental in leading Wesco’s digital transformation, viewing big data as a key driver of future value creation. With a focus on unlocking the power of data, Engel’s vision is to position Wesco at the forefront of technological innovation, ensuring the company remains competitive in an increasingly digital world.