Tony Harris, a Waytek board advisor since 2015, will succeed Charlie Kanan, who retires as Chairman on December 31, 2026.
CHANHASSEN, Minn., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Waytek today announced that Tony Harris will become Chairman of the Board effective January 1, 2027, as part of the company's planned leadership succession. Harris, a Waytek board advisor since 2015, will succeed Charlie Kanan, who retires as Chairman on December 31, 2026, following fourteen years of leadership and service. As previously announced, Kanan will be recognized as Chairman Emeritus following his retirement and will continue serving Waytek in a separate advisory capacity.
Harris brings extensive experience in B2B distribution, growth strategy, and digital transformation, together with more than a decade of familiarity with Waytek's business, ownership, and culture. He is the founder of THINC B2B, a growth advisory firm, and previously served as Chief Marketing Officer of Digi-Key Electronics. His career includes advising business leaders and serving on boards across the electronics and B2B technology industries.
John Larson, Vice President of Corporate Strategy, expressed the Larson family's confidence in Harris and the company's future.
"Tony has earned our family's trust through years of thoughtful engagement with Waytek. He understands what this business means to us and shares our ambition for what it can become. We are confident in his ability to lead the Board, support our leadership team, and help us pursue growth while preserving the values that have made Waytek successful. We are excited to work with him as we build the company's future."
Harris will assume the chairmanship as Waytek continues to invest in its people, technology, and capabilities to serve customers and support long-term growth. His experience in distribution and business transformation will inform the Board's work with management on strategy and enterprise value creation.
Chief Executive Officer Andres Caballero welcomed the opportunity to deepen his partnership with Harris.
"Tony and I share a strong belief in Waytek's potential and a commitment to turning that potential into lasting value. I look forward to working with him to sharpen our strategy, challenge our thinking, and build a Board that helps us make better decisions. Our opportunity is to grow by serving customers better, investing in our people, and putting technology to work in meaningful ways. Tony brings experience and perspective that will strengthen that work, and I am excited about what we can accomplish together."
Kanan welcomed Harris's appointment and expressed confidence in the transition.
"I have worked with Tony for more than a decade and have seen the care and perspective he brings to Waytek. He knows the company, respects its people and ownership, and understands the opportunities ahead. I am pleased to see him take on this responsibility and confident in the partnership he will build with Andres and the Board."
Harris thanked Kanan for his leadership and the Larson family and Board for their trust.
"It is a privilege to take on this role at a company I have come to know and respect over many years. Charlie has helped build a strong foundation, and I am grateful for his leadership and support. I look forward to working with Andres, the Board, and the Larson family to help Waytek achieve its growth ambitions and create enduring value for the people who depend on its success."
Kanan will remain Chairman through December 31 and support the transition with Harris and the executive leadership team. Following retirement, his Chairman Emeritus title will be honorary, and his advisory role will provide counsel without Board leadership or decision-making authority. Harris will lead the Board beginning January 1, 2027.
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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