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. 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.
“Rich has given exceptional leadership while nurturing the special culture that defines our company. We wish him the best as he embarks on his next step,” said Southwire Chairman Roy Richards, Jr. “And as Southwire invests to support the electrical energy needs of the future, we are thrilled to welcome Ganesh. His strategic leadership and operational experience will help propel us toward even greater success and growth as a company.”
Ramaswamy is a proven executive with a track record of driving growth and value creation across diverse industries, leading large-scale P&Ls and global businesses. He currently serves as Executive Vice President, Industrial & Energy Technology for Baker Hughes, a company with a portfolio of technologies and services that span the energy and industrial value chain. In this role, he leads a $12 billion business with more than 20,000 employees worldwide. Ramaswamy also serves on the Board of PACCAR, a global manufacturer of trucks.
Throughout his career, Ramaswamy has gained executive leadership experience in a variety of industries and markets at companies including Johnson Controls, Danaher Corporation, Hoya Corporation and General Electric, among others. His strong technical foundation, strategic focus and innovation-oriented leadership have led to industry advancements, strong business performance and highly engaged and effective teams.
“I am absolutely thrilled to join Southwire. I want to thank Rich for his outstanding leadership and lasting contributions in building such a strong foundation. The legacy and reputation the company has established over the past 75 years is one of innovation, transformation and sustainability – three areas that have driven my passions and focus throughout my career,” said Ramaswamy. “Southwire and the electrical industry are positioned for tremendous growth in the years to come, and it is a privilege to step into this role. I look forward to an exciting future with this incredible team.”
Ramaswamy holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kerala, an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin. He currently resides in the Chicago area with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys hiking, sports and travel and engages in local community initiatives that promote education and economic development.
Norman Adkins, the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, is planning to retire in April 2026 with nearly four decades of industry leadership. Adkins joined Southwire in 1998, and since that time, he has focused on developing and sustaining strong and success-driven relationships within the industry while also creating a culture of ongoing learning and growth within his teams.
Adkins will continue to serve as President of the International Cablemakers Federation (ICF), where he inspires advancement in the wire and cable industry at a global level. As he approaches retirement, Adkins looks forward to traveling, spending more time with his family, cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies and Atlanta Braves, and catching as many of his favorite musicians in concert as possible.
“My career at Southwire has been nothing short of amazing. Our job is, and has always been, to find ways to accelerate and drive improvements, and this spirit has led to growth like I never could have imagined when I joined the company,” said Adkins. “Southwire has been such a big part of my life, and the relationships, the teamwork, the sense of purpose… that’s what has made it so special. It’s been an incredible journey – one I’ll always be proud of and one I’ll always carry with me.”
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About Southwire:
Southwire Company, LLC is North America’s leading wire and cable company. The $10B organization is made up of more than 9,000 team members across the globe who unite as ONE Southwire each and every day to serve each other, their customers and their communities. Southwire and its subsidiaries provide solutions including building wire and cable, metal-clad cable, utility products, portable and electronic cord products and OEM wire products. In addition, Southwire offers electrical products, engineered solutions and a variety of field support services.
For more on Southwire’s products and solutions, its community involvement and its vision of sustainability, visit: www.southwire.com
