Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2005
Contact: Jane Burks, 601-969-7383

Michael C. Wigton Joins Stuart C. Irby Co.
Exec Joins Management Team as Chief Operating Officer

JACKSON, Miss. – Stuart C. Irby Co., one of the nation’s leading electrical distributors, has named Michael C. Wigton as its chief operating officer (COO). Wigton was formerly with Hughes Supply, where he was vice president of sales and service in that company’s utility division.

“Mike is a seasoned electrical industry leader with a successful career that spans three decades,” said company president Stuart M. Irby. “He has a strong background in sales, as well as experience in marketing and channel management. He has a demonstrated track record of success with many of the top industry performers.”

Wigton has also worked for Utiliserve, Thomas and Betts, and General Electric.
Irby said Wigton joins the Stuart C. Irby Co.’s executive management team as the Jackson, Mississippi-based company embarks on a new course. Last year the company unveiled a broad-based plan to modernize policies and sales processes, streamline operations, and implement a new marketing approach. Irby set a company record for sales growth during 2003-2004 and major changes are being implemented to further improve sales, efficiency and customer service.

“Mike’s experience will complement our strategic plan as we seek to evolve into a better company,” Irby said. “We seek to become either the number one or number two distributor in each of our markets, and that requires new and innovative ways of meeting the needs of our customers.”

For more than 75 years, Stuart C. Irby Co. has been a key player in the electrical wholesaling industry, serving a multitude of customers in the utility, commercial, industrial and residential sectors. The company has 650 employees and 34 locations over the nine states.

To find out more, go to www.irby.com

Electronic photo of Michael C. Wigton available upon request. Email requests to burks@irby.com