Anixter International announces retirement of CEO Robert J. Eck

Anixter International Inc. in Glenview said Monday that Robert J. Eck will retire as CEO at the end of June, following a 28-year career with the company.

Eck, who will continue to serve on the company's board of directors, was named president and CEO in 2008.

Effective July 1, William A. Galvin will become president and CEO. Galvin, 55, has served as the company's president and chief operating officer since July 2017. During the last 12 years, Galvin has served in a variety of senior management positions with Anixter Inc., the company's operating subsidiary, most recently as executive vice president - network and security solutions (2007-2017.) He joined the company in 1984.

"During Bob Eck's tenure the company has seen tremendous growth in sales, profitability and shareholder returns," said Chairman of the Board Sam Zell. "Under his leadership, the company has undergone significant transformation, and continues to deliver new products and services in new markets. We are especially pleased that Bob will continue to serve on our board of directors, allowing Anixter to continue benefiting from his many years of company and industry experience."

In discussing his upcoming retirement, Eck said, "During my 28 years at Anixter the company has gone through an incredible amount of change and I am proud of what our people have accomplished during that time."

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the company and further build on its past successes," Galvin said. "Our priorities as a company will continue to center around building on execution of our strategic initiatives, expanding the markets we serve, and effective capital allocation. I am very excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead for Anixter."

Anixter International is a global distributor of network & security solutions, electrical & electronic solutions and utility power solutions.