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

  • Nominations Now Open for 8th Biennial MEET Innovation Awards

    Nominations Now Open for 8th Biennial MEET Innovation Awards

    February 13, 2026 The Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology Show (MEET) is pleased to announce that the ‘MEET Innovation Awards’ will return as part of the 2026 edition of the show. The purpose of these awards is to recognize innovative products in the industry. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to nominate themselves or others by completing this online form no Read More…

  • 2026 ECABC Hall of Fame Nominations

    2026 ECABC Hall of Fame Nominations

    February 12, 2026 On June 2nd, ECABC will hold a Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony as part of their Awards Gala Dinner at the Association’s 2026 Conference and AGM in Kelowna. ECABC would like to invite you to nominate an extraordinary individual from the electrical industry to join the organizations esteemed Hall of Fame! Induction into the Read More…

  • Canada Introduces New Auto Strategy by Expanding EV Charging Infrastructure Across the Country

    Canada Introduces New Auto Strategy by Expanding EV Charging Infrastructure Across the Country

    February 12, 2026  On February 5, Canada announced its new Automotive Strategy. The strategy includes a new five-year Electric Vehicle Affordability Program and enhanced charging infrastructure through investments through the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s $1.5-billion Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative. Canada has installed more than 30,000 electric vehicle chargers across the country through Natural Resources Canada’s Read More…

  • Nova Scotia & NSCC Launch Institute of Skilled Trades

    Nova Scotia & NSCC Launch Institute of Skilled Trades

    February 12, 2026 The Province and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) are launching the Institute of Skilled Trades (IST) to provide students and apprentices with modern training and equipment to develop the skills employers need – today and in the future. The IST and skilled trades training at NSCC will now be guided by an Read More…