#41 Kurt Kaeser & Liza Sachs

Kaeser & Blair (asi/238600)

2022 Rank: #44

Kurt Kaeser – Chairman

Industry Experience: 40 Years

Previous Appearances on Power 50: 17

Liza Sachs – CRO

Industry Experience: 27 Years

Previous Appearances on Power 50: 1

Kurt Kaeser and Liza Sachs mark their second year together on the Power 50 – a year after Sachs made her debut on the list – but there are leadership changes afoot at the 129-year-old Top 40 distributor. In July, it was announced that Kurt Kaeser’s sons Mitch and Brad were taking on the title of co-CEOs, while Kurt (the company’s longtime CEO/president) would continue as chairman. Meanwhile, in June, Sachs was named the company’s chief revenue officer, while 25-year company veteran Scott Baker was promoted to COO.

The changes weren’t just limited to the C-suite. Sachs spearheaded a new Preferred Supplier Program that already counts over 115 suppliers, and the company is making significant investments in technology with digital upgrades to its existing platforms and a redesign of its internal vendor portal. “Kaeser & Blair is a family company in every aspect, and their sales dealers are certainly a part of that family,” says Sachs. “There’s a focus on providing them with all the necessary tools to build their businesses.” The efforts by Sachs and Kaeser are already seeing dividends, as the company is on track for double-digit percentage sales growth this year. Sachs says “the increase is driven by enhanced marketing offerings and an expanded investment in service.”