Charles W. Denny
Chairman, Square D-Schneider

Charles W. Denny, chairman of Square D-Schneider Electric North America, has been named the winner of NEMA’s prestigious Falk Award for his numerous contributions and dedication to the electrical industry. NEMA Chairman Peter McIlroy will present the award at NEMA’s 75th Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. on November 12, 2001.

“Charley is widely known throughout the electrical industry,” says McIlroy. “He is greatly admired and respected by his peers. He is a hardworking leader who is committed to doing the right things for his company and for the industry.”

NEMA President Malcolm O’Hagan adds, “Charley Denny’s service to the industry and to NEMA is exemplary. His leadership skills cannot be overestimated.” While serving as chairman of NEMA’s Board of Governors, he pushed the organization to be more global in its endeavors, leading a successful trade mission to Brazil, which later led to the opening of a NEMA office in São Paulo, followed by a second international office in Mexico City.

“Charley encouraged and engaged Square D people in all facets of NEMA operations,” says O’Hagan, “setting a high standard for excellence of corporate commitment and involvement.”  Denny also became one of the first contributors to NEMA’s political action committee, NEMA PAC, and, in 1999, he spearheaded the successful four million dollar capital campaign for the National Electrical Safety Foundation (NESF). 

“Mr. Denny’s vision of the electrical industry clearly includes a strong sense of the industry’s responsibility to the community,” says Michael Clendenin, NESF executive director. “His leadership was critical in establishing the endowment which will ensure that the electrical safety message will reach the public, effectively in perpetuity.”

“Charley is one of those rare individuals who has literally spent a lifetime in the industry,” says Robert Fiorani, Square D’s vice president of corporate communications, adding, “he knew how to be in that corner office and make the tough decisions for twenty thousand employees, maintaining a sense of fairness and sense of humor.”

In 1960, Denny began his lengthy career in the electrical industry as personnel manager in his family-owned business, Barkelew Electric Manufacturing Company. In 1967, Square D acquired the Barkelew Company, and he became plant manager. Over the next several years, he earned successive promotions, managing operations at Square D’s facilities in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Lexington, Kentucky. In 1983, he became a corporate vice president, moving from Lexington to the Square D corporate office in Palatine, Illinois. 

Further promotions throughout the ’80s helped set the stage for his appointment to executive vice president and chief operating officer in 1991, following the acquisition of Square D Company by Schneider Electric. One short year later, Denny was named president and chief executive officer of the North American Division of Schneider Electric as well as president and chief operating officer of Square D Company. 

In 1997, he became chairman and chief executive officer, focusing on major opportunities of development for Schneider, particularly in North America, global account management, and enhancing relationships with customers and distributors. Denny plans to retire in December 2001.

Denny also serves on the Board of Directors for Woodhead Industries Inc., The Cherry Corporation, American Manufacturing Company, and Southwire Company.

Previous winners of the Falk Award include United States Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky; Asea Brown Bovery Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Percy Barnevik; astronaut Neil Armstrong; and Group Schneider Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Didier Pineau-Valencienne.