“Build bridges, don’t burn them — honey over vinegar.”
Kaytee Howarth is a proven sales and channel leader whose career has been defined by a unique combination of strategic vision, servant leadership, and an unwavering ability to deliver measurable growth across industrial, commercial, and electrical markets. Over the course of more than thirteen years, she has built a reputation as a forward-thinking executive who not only drives revenue and market expansion but also cultivates environments where collaboration, innovation, and connection thrive. Her journey reflects both the discipline of data-driven decision-making and the humanity of bridge-building, traits that have made her a respected leader and a sought-after voice in the power generation and electrical industries.
Kaytee’s career began at Eaton, where she entered through the Leadership Development Program and quickly distinguished herself as someone who could blend technical knowledge with commercial instincts. As a Senior OEM Sales Engineer, she managed a multimillion-dollar sales territory in Southern California, balancing the demands of over 140 accounts with a relentless focus on expanding growth markets. Her success in consistently exceeding quotas and converting new accounts was a reflection of her ability to build trust, develop meaningful client relationships, and identify opportunities others often overlooked. This early stage of her career revealed her gift for not only selling products but also for aligning solutions with broader customer and organizational needs.
Her trajectory at Eaton continued to climb as she moved into product management and segment marketing roles. In these positions, Kaytee honed her ability to manage product lifecycles, drive profitability, and spearhead cross-functional initiatives that improved organizational efficiencies. She launched new product lines, introduced IoT-enabled innovations, and cultivated revenue growth in key segments worth more than $145 million annually. She became a leader not only in market development but also in shaping conversations around the future of electrical systems, technology integration, and the importance of customer-focused innovation. Her ability to lead diverse teams, navigate complex negotiations, and develop profitable strategies laid the foundation for her later executive roles.
From Eaton, Kaytee transitioned to Generac Power Systems, where her impact was both immediate and transformative. As National Sales Manager, she led a team of account managers and rep agencies across the U.S. and Canada, growing the STAFDA channel business by an extraordinary 440% in under three years. Beyond the numbers, Kaytee demonstrated her commitment to inclusivity and culture by founding Generac’s first Employee Resource Group, designed to empower female employees and elevate diverse voices within the organization. Her leadership combined operational excellence with a deep sense of responsibility for the people she led, reinforcing her belief that organizational growth is inseparable from the growth of its people.
Kaytee’s next chapter unfolded at ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation. Initially serving as Regional Sales Manager, she managed a $110 million region and quickly proved her ability to balance growth with team engagement and retention. Her leadership style emphasized clear communication, effective negotiation, and streamlined processes that elevated performance across both direct sales and partner channels. Her success in this role set the stage for her promotion to Regional Vice President, where she oversaw a $300 million sales region spanning multiple districts, rep agencies, and direct teams.
As Regional Vice President at ABB, Kaytee designed and executed data-driven go-to-market strategies, establishing commercial frameworks that improved pipeline visibility and boosted close rates. She negotiated a landmark channel partnership with DigiKey, unlocking $20 million in annual market potential and securing a $3 million stocking order that accelerated ABB’s market penetration. Under her guidance, the sales organization not only grew but also became a model of performance, collaboration, and adaptability. Her tenure underscored her ability to influence outcomes at the highest levels, blending tactical execution with strategic foresight.
Throughout her career, Kaytee has been a visible advocate for women in industry and an active contributor to professional associations. She has delivered presentations at national conferences such as the National Association for Electrical Distributors and the Women and Industry Forum, sharing insights on sales strategy, marketing, and leadership. She has also been featured in trade publications, adding her voice to critical conversations around innovation, organizational growth, and the evolving role of women in technical fields. Her ability to communicate with clarity and authenticity has extended her influence well beyond the companies she has served.
Education has been a cornerstone of Kaytee’s development, with a BA degree from Michigan State University, then started her MBA at the University of Pittsburgh and finished at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her academic pursuits reflect a commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional development. She sees education not only as a personal achievement but also as a pathway to mentorship and her future aspiration of teaching at the collegiate level. By connecting academia with real-world experience, Kaytee hopes to shape the next generation of leaders with the same principles of curiosity and servant leadership that have guided her own journey.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Kaytee is passionate about service and community. She has served on the Board of Directors for ABB’s Employee Resource Group, Encompass Women and contributed her time to organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Girls on the Run. Her personal interests in travel, reading, and podcasts reflect her insatiable curiosity and desire to explore new perspectives. Whether in the boardroom, the classroom, or the community, Kaytee consistently demonstrates a commitment to building stronger, more connected systems that serve both people and organizations.
Looking ahead, Kaytee envisions board service as both a continuation and an evolution of her leadership journey. She views the boardroom as a place to challenge assumptions, provide insights, and facilitate organizational change while remaining deeply grounded in servant leadership. Her long-term goal of teaching reflects her broader commitment to sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and equipping others with the tools to thrive. She believes that building bridges—between people, ideas, and organizations—is not only her motto but also her enduring legacy.
Character:
Kaytee’s character is defined by her commitment to servant leadership and her belief in building bridges rather than burning them. She approaches challenges with integrity and curiosity, seeking first to understand before offering guidance. Her ability to connect authentically with people at all levels creates trust and fosters collaboration across organizations.
Knowledge:
With over thirteen years of progressive experience in sales, marketing, and product management across Fortune 500 and mid-sized companies, Kaytee brings deep industry expertise. Her education, including two MBA programs, underscores her commitment to lifelong learning and thought leadership. She combines practical, data-driven insights with strategic foresight, making her a valuable resource in guiding organizational growth.
Strategic:
Kaytee consistently demonstrates the ability to design and execute strategies that drive measurable results. From negotiating multimillion-dollar partnerships to implementing go-to-market plans that boost profitability, her approach is both visionary and pragmatic. She aligns long-term goals with immediate priorities, ensuring sustainable growth and adaptability in rapidly evolving markets.
Communication:
An accomplished public speaker and published contributor, Kaytee excels at conveying complex ideas with clarity and impact. Her presentations at national forums and active participation in industry associations highlight her influence as both a communicator and a connector. She leverages communication as a tool not only for persuasion but also for fostering understanding, alignment, and engagement.
