The Wesco Group has announced that Josh Cox has become chief executive officer, succeeding company co-founder Lloyd White, who is retiring as CEO.
The Lynnwood, Wash.-based specialty distributor of coatings, equipment and related supplies said Cox has been with Wesco for eight years, most recently serving as president. Cox was promoted to president in 2025 after serving as national vice-president of sales.
He began his collision repair career in a bodyshop before becoming a journeyman painter and shop foreman. Cox later moved into automotive paint sales with PPG and operated a California distribution business before joining Wesco in 2019.
Wesco has expanded substantially in recent years. Its acquisition of National Coatings & Supplies expanded its footprint to more than 400 locations across North America.
“I’m honored — and energized — to lead the extraordinary people who show up for our customers and supplier partners every single day,” Cox said. “Lloyd’s vision and mentorship shaped this company, and I’m grateful for every bit of it. Now we get to write the next chapter. We have the strongest foundation in the industry, and we’re going to build the boldest specialty coatings distribution platform on top of it — moving faster, reaching further, and staying relentlessly focused on what has always set us apart: our customers, our supplier partners, and our people.”
“Leading Wesco has been the honor of my career,” White said. “I’m proud of all that we’ve accomplished together, and the decades of success which have grown Wesco into what it is today. I have the utmost confidence in Josh and the balance of our exceptional leadership team to carry our mission forward. I look forward to supporting the company and will remain on the board.”
Company officials said day-to-day operations, points of contact and commitments to customers, supplier partners and employees will continue without change through the transition.
Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Lynnwood, Wash., Wesco distributes coatings, equipment and related supplies for the collision and industrial markets.
