Charlie Kanan will retire as Chairman of the Board on December 31, 2026, completing a planned leadership transition after fourteen years of service.
CHANHASSEN, Minn., Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Waytek today announced that Charlie Kanan will retire as Chairman of the Board on December 31, 2026, completing a planned leadership transition after fourteen years of service. In recognition of his contributions, the Board has approved honoring him with the title of Chairman Emeritus following his retirement. Kanan will also continue his relationship with Waytek in a separate advisory role.
Following several years advising the Larson family, Kanan was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Chairman in 2012. He earned the trust of two generations of the family while helping Waytek grow and strengthen its organization. He guided the company through the pandemic and supply chain disruption without employee layoffs and supported the appointment of Andres Caballero as CEO, effective June 2, 2025.
Mike Larson, Chief Operating Officer and co-owner of Waytek, reflected on Kanan's lasting contributions.
"On behalf of the Larson family, our Board, and everyone at Waytek, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Charlie for the leadership, wisdom, and heart he has brought to our company. He was entrusted with helping preserve our family's legacy, and he honored that responsibility every day. He helped us build a stronger business while staying true to who we are. Naming him Chairman Emeritus recognizes that lasting contribution, and we are grateful that our relationship will continue."
During Kanan's tenure, Waytek expanded its workforce and earned the 2020 Minnesota Family Business Award. His approach to leadership combined customer focus with care for the company's people and its long-term future.
Chief Executive Officer Andres Caballero credited Kanan for ensuring a thoughtful leadership transition and establishing the foundation for Waytek's future.
"Charlie welcomed me with trust and gave me the support and space to lead," said Caballero. "He shared his experience generously and always put Waytek's long-term interests first. I am grateful for the foundation he helped build and pleased that we will continue to benefit from his perspective as an advisor."
Kanan expressed gratitude to the Larson family, employees, customers, suppliers, and business partners who have been part of Waytek's journey.
"Serving Waytek has been one of the great privileges of my career. I am grateful to the Larson family and our employees for the trust and commitment that made our progress possible. I am honored by this recognition and look forward to staying connected and supporting the company in a different capacity."
The Chairman Emeritus title is honorary and carries no Board leadership or decision-making authority. In his separate advisory role after retirement, Kanan will provide counsel to the CEO and the next Chairman. He will continue leading the Board through December 31. Waytek expects to announce its next Chairman in the coming weeks.
About Waytek
Waytek is a family-owned distributor of automotive wire and DC electrical components serving original equipment manufacturers, wire harness manufacturers, and upfitters across North America. Founded in 1970, Waytek is committed to delivering exceptional customer service.
Media Contact
Steve Green, Waytek, Inc., 1 612-364-5650, [email protected], www.waytekwire.com
SOURCE Waytek, Inc.
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