October 18, 2023
Jim Williams Steps Down as CEO of KSA Lighting & Controls
Image credits: KSA Lighting & Controls
Stepping out of the spotlight, Williams passes leadership to two new principals
CHICAGO - In a significant move within Chicago lighting circles, Jim Williams has announced his decision to step down as President & CEO of KSA Lighting & Controls, Chicago's premier lighting agency. Williams informed the KSA team of his departure last Friday.
In a letter detailing the forthcoming leadership changes, Williams wrote, "The day-to-day operations need leadership structure that can guide the business forward over the next several years. Effective November 1, Jim Maucieri, a vital contributor since 2011, will assume the role of President of KSA Lighting & Controls. Keith Wittenbrink, meanwhile, will be elevated to Executive Vice President. Both Maucieri and Wittenbrink are expected to collaborate closely, steering KSA as the agency's dual principals."
Williams, who joined the company in 2000, bought the agency four years later. At the time of the acquisition, KSA reported sales of $16 million. Under Williams's leadership, the company's success soared to impressive heights. At its peak, with Iowa included in its territory, KSA reported close to $280 million in sales. The agency has exited the Iowa territory, but remains the largest in Chicagoland.
The past year witnessed a notable transition for KSA as it became an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Williams made the decision to sell to the ESOP in 2022, and has remained as the President and Chairman of the Board.
Williams's official departure date is slated for March 31, 2024. However, he plans to remain with the company in a more reduced role, mentoring and coaching the new leadership. Addressing his KSA family in a written statement, Williams urged them to "Stay hungry, stay humble, and avoid success entitlement. Hubris born of success is the downfall for many great organizations."
Williams in the news
In recent years, both Williams and KSA have found themselves in the news, despite Williams' described desire to keep a low profile.
In 2019, Force Partners, a Chicago lighting agent that has since closed, launched a notable lawsuit against KSA Lighting & Controls and Acuity Brands. The lawsuit accused the defendants of conspiring to pressure lighting and controls distributors in the Chicago area to boycott Force Partners. This case concluded in December 2022 with an out-of-court settlement.
The same month saw another significant development. Ashley Williams, wife of Jim Williams, left KSA and founded startup lighting agent, The Lighting Digest. This new Chicago lighting agency whose manufacturer partnerships is anchored by Cooper Lighting Solutions, now boasts an impressive year-one line card and a workforce of over 30 individuals. There's been ample speculation about whether Jim Williams would join his wife at The Lighting Digest.
Williams is bound to a non-competition agreement
When we inquired about Williams's short or long-term intentions to join another lighting agency, he stated, "Beyond my non-compete, I have significant financial ties to KSA's success." Upon probing further, we discovered that Williams is bound by a long-term, multi-year non-competition agreement, which commences on his official departure date from the agency. Further, he expressed no inclination or desire to make a move to another agent.
In wrapping up the Wednesday conversation with inside.lighting, Williams reflected on his journey. "I've accomplished more than I ever would have imagined," he shared, speaking candidly about the growth and evolution of KSA under his leadership. He expressed a desire for a break from the daily grind and mentioned potential future endeavors in the business realm. Yet, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition at KSA.
