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

  • Have your Say on the Proposed Regulations for the NWT Builders’ Lien Act

    Have your Say on the Proposed Regulations for the NWT Builders’ Lien Act

    February 14, 2025 The GNWT is modernizing the legal framework for construction liens. In 2023, the Builders’ Lien Act was enacted to replace the Mechanics Lien Act. The new legislation was put in place to address modern construction practices. It sets out the legal processes, systems, rights, and remedies for parties involved in construction disputes.  The GNWT… Read More…

  • Federal Government Investing in Skilled Trades Training for Atlantic Canada

    Federal Government Investing in Skilled Trades Training for Atlantic Canada

    February 14, 2025 Canada is building more homes, bridges and key infrastructure than at any point in recent history. That requires skilled workers in communities across the country, including in the Atlantic provinces. To encourage more people to join the skilled trades, to build the homes Canadians expect and the resilient economy this moment demands,… Read More…

  • Nova Scotia Power Holding Open Houses to Discuss Modernizing the Electrical Inspections Process

    Nova Scotia Power Holding Open Houses to Discuss Modernizing the Electrical Inspections Process

    February 14, 2025 As Nova Scotia continues to experience unprecedented building growth, it’s the perfect time to review and improve the electrical inspection process—with safety as the top priority. Nova Scotia Power and the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration are coming together to explore new opportunities—including risk-based electrical inspections—to ensure the process remains safe,… Read More…

  • Alberta EV Tax Begins February 13th

    Alberta EV Tax Begins February 13th

    February 14, 2025 Starting Thursday, Feb. 13, Albertans will be charged a $200 tax when they register their electric vehicles. This amount is in line with what drivers of a typical internal combustion engine vehicle would be expected to pay each year in fuel tax. The tax will be collected by registry agents, and online… Read More…