Sonepar Announces the Retirement of William (Bill) C. Smith, Electrozad Director of Transitional Business

September 2, 2024

William (Bill) C. Smith, Director, Transitional Business of Electrozad Supply Company Limited announced his retirement as of August 30th, 2024 after 49 years of leadership.

Bill began his electrical career working part-time at Electrozad Supply while completing a Sales & Marketing Program at St. Clair College.  After his first full-time position in the industry with State Electric in 1974, he started working full-time with Electrozad in 1975 and has worked his way through each department and function of the organization over his career.

“For a short, skinny kid with long hair, coming out of St. Clair College, that worked at Electrozad part-time—that didn’t want anything to do with this industry—I soon became the S.O.B. (the “Son of the Boss”) and learned from the ground up,” Bill said.

In April 1992, Bill was appointed President of the Electrozad Group of Companies with locations in Windsor, Chatham, Sarnia, and London.  In 2022, he was appointed to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. After Electrozad was acquired by Sonepar in 2024, he was assigned the position of Director of Transitional Business.

Throughout his career, Bill’s leadership and professionalism have been exemplary. He has served in various roles, including Chairman of Copel, CEDA Board Member, EFC Director and Chairman of multiple committees since 1990, Chairman of the EFC Supply & Distribution Council (2000-2001), and Chair of the Canadian Division Board of Directors for A-D for eight years. He also contributed to the supplyFORCE Steering Committee. He has been an avid supporter of numerous charitable organizations, especially the United Way, the Electrozad Foundation and the Ozad Institute.

“When I think of Bill, I think of him as a welcoming face to the industry, as a person who is passionate about his industry, and as a person who has tremendous wisdom on industry matters,” said Carol McGlogan, EFC’s president & CEO.

In 2017, EFC awarded Bill the “2017 Industry Recognition Award”.  He has influenced the electrical industry with strong leadership, investment in both people and organizations, strong ethics, energy and good nature.

Over Bill’s 49 years at Electrozad, he earned the respect and friendship of customers and suppliers, but the employees were family. Bill’s leadership, guidance, laughter, jokes, kind-heartedness, wisdom and willingness to sit and listen when a talk was needed will be deeply missed.  Sonepar wishes him a long, happy and fulfilling retirement.

For more information, visit the Sonepar website HERE.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Hazardous Environment vs. Intrinsically Safe Sensors: Understanding the Differences

    Hazardous Environment vs. Intrinsically Safe Sensors: Understanding the Differences

    May 5, 2025 Sensors designed for industrial applications often face harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, high humidity, exposure to chemicals, and the presence of combustible gases or dust. Two common classifications for sensors used in such environments are hazardous environment sensors and intrinsically safe sensors. While they share some overlap, they serve different purposes and… Read More…

  • The Wild and Wonderful of Thermal by FLIR – How Thermal Imaging is Augmenting More Than Just Cameras

    The Wild and Wonderful of Thermal by FLIR – How Thermal Imaging is Augmenting More Than Just Cameras

    May 5, 2025 By Krystie Johnston Teledyne FLIR OEM launched their Thermal by FLIR about six years ago, to expand support for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who integrate FLIR thermal camera technology into their products. Since then, these collaborations have taken thermal into completely new spaces. Mike Walters, Vice President of Emerging Product Management at FLIR… Read More…

  • Ontario Leads Residential Sector Increase in February Construction Investment

    Ontario Leads Residential Sector Increase in February Construction Investment

    May 5, 2025 Overall, investment in building construction rose 1.5% (+$331.7 million) to $22.4 billion in February, with gains being recorded across all components. The residential sector increased 1.8% to $15.7 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 0.8% to $6.8 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 8.9% in February. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction… Read More…

  • MCEE 2025 Marks Big Return to the Palais des congrès

    MCEE 2025 Marks Big Return to the Palais des congrès

    May 4, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada Canada’s largest Mechanical, Plumbing, Hydronics, HVAC, Electrical and Lighting Expo did not disappoint. On April 24-25, more than 6,000 attendees flocked to the Palais des congrès in the heart of Montreal to attend the Mechanical, Conditioning, Electrical, and Equipment (MCEE) trade show to see the latest products, learn about… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • City Electric Supply Bids Farewell to Vickey Mackay and Brian Doucette

    City Electric Supply Bids Farewell to Vickey Mackay and Brian Doucette

    May 5, 2025 After decades of leadership, City Electric Supply bid a warm farewell to two incredible branch managers in their Ottawa District — Vicky Mackay (Ottawa Central & Kemptville) and Brian Doucette (Pembroke). “Their dedication, leadership, and lasting impact will be felt for years to come,” said City Electric Supply on LinkedIn. City Electric Supply are also introducing… Read More…

  • 2025 Skills Ontario Competition & Career Exploration Showcase Highlights the Future Skilled Trade and Technology Workforce

    2025 Skills Ontario Competition & Career Exploration Showcase Highlights the Future Skilled Trade and Technology Workforce

    May 5, 2025 Canada’s largest skilled trades and technology conference, the Skills Ontario Competition, is back at the Toronto Congress Centre May 5th – May 6th. Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario, said Skills Ontario is changing lives and inspiring leaders through skilled trades and technologies through events like the Skills Ontario Competition. “We look forward… Read More…

  • Manitoba Government Honours Highest Achieving New Journeypersons

    Manitoba Government Honours Highest Achieving New Journeypersons

    May 4, 2025 The Manitoba government is proud to acknowledge the outstanding work and commitment of newly certified journeypersons, as well as recognize employers and their contributions to Manitoba’s skilled trades, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses announced last night at the Legislative Building during the 33rd annual Apprenticeship Highest Achievement Awards… Read More…

  • Acuity Acquires Sports Lighting Startup M3 Innovation

    Acuity Acquires Sports Lighting Startup M3 Innovation

    May 4, 2025  Acuity Inc. has acquired the business assets of M3 Innovation, LLC, a sports lighting startup that uses innovative technology to lower the overall cost of the installation and operation of sports lighting solutions.   The acquisition has already closed, and the solution is now part of the Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) business portfolio. M3 Innovation’s products and innovative technology will be available through Acuity’s independent sales network as part of their Lithonia Lighting® brand and through direct sales and utility channels as part of their Holophane® brand.   “We are excited to welcome M3 Innovation to ABL. The founders are thought… Read More…