EiKO Global’s Rick Laird Takes Over from Gary Withers

EiKO Global’s Rick Laird Takes Over for Gary Withers

January 18, 2017

Rick Laird, formerly President of EiKO Global, has assumed the role of President and CEO. Outgoing CEO Gary Withers retired on December 31. 

Under Withers’ 33 years of leadership, EiKO grew from a small family business to a global lighting manufacturer with offices on three continents. “This journey would not be possible without the help and commitment of all those who are working or have worked for EiKO in these almost 40 years, as well as the thousands of customers, reps and vendors throughout the world,” he said.

Withers will continue to serve in a consulting role and board member of EiKO Global. 

Laird began his career in the lighting business at Philips Lighting in 1990, moved to Osram Sylvania in 1995, and joined EiKO in 2007. During his career, he has spent time in several different roles in product development, sales/marketing, and business unit management. Laird became EiKO President in 2012.

“We are truly grateful for Gary’s leadership to make EiKO into what it is today,” Laird said. “I look forward to building on his legacy and continuing EiKO’s tradition of providing the widest selection of high-quality products in the industry.”

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • ABB Chosen to Supply Technology for BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels

    ABB Chosen to Supply Technology for BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels

    January 12, 2026 ABB will supply a complete package of power, propulsion and control technology for four new double-ended passenger and car ferries operated by British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries). One of the largest ferry operators in the world, BC Ferries provides year-round vehicle and passenger service on 25 routes to 47 terminals, carrying Read More…

  • Federal Government Invests in Four Ontario Steel Companies

    Federal Government Invests in Four Ontario Steel Companies

    January 12, 2026 Through targeted investments, the Government of Canada is committed to providing support to help businesses in all sectors, including steel and automotive, to respond, adapt and compete amid shifting market conditions. Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario Read More…

  • Craftsman V20 150W Power Inverter Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

    Craftsman V20 150W Power Inverter Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

    January 12, 2026 This recall involves the Craftsman V20 150W Power Inverter (Model number: CMCB1150B). The product has a rectangular prism shape with dimensions of 8.13 x 7.62 x 11.68 cm. It is red and black and weighs 320 grams. It has three charging ports for Type-C, Type-A, and AC connections. It contains an LED Read More…

  • 2025 National Model Codes Now Available

    2025 National Model Codes Now Available

    January 12, 2026 New model codes introduce updates that advance the harmonization of building design and construction requirements across Canada, expand the range of compliance options available to code users, incorporate forward-looking climatic data in building design to help prepare buildings for future climate conditions while reducing the construction sector’s contribution to climate change, and Read More…