UniTek Names Pete Sandore CEO Amid Leadership Transition

UniTek Global Services names industry veteran Pete Sandore CEO and announces new leadership appointments for its telecom and power infrastructure services divisions.

Key Highlights

  • Pete Sandore brings more than 30 years of experience in power, utility, and communications infrastructure services and will lead UniTek’s next phase of growth.

  • UniTek appointed new presidents and CEOs for its Telecom and Power Infrastructure Services divisions and named Cody Gallarda as CFO.

  • Charlie Smith is retiring from his executive role after leading UniTek since 2021 and will remain with the company as an advisor to support the transition.

UniTek Global Services, Inc. (UniTek), a provider of turnkey infrastructure solutions serving the communications, data center, and power markets, has appointed Pete Sandore as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Sandore brings more than 30 years of experience across the power, utility, and communications infrastructure services sectors. He previously served as Chairman of UniTek’s Power Infrastructure Services Division and has a track record of advancing operational performance and sustainable growth.

As CEO, Sandore will lead UniTek’s strategic initiatives and oversee the company’s operational and commercial functions as it continues to expand its market presence and strengthen service delivery for customers.

Sandore succeeds Charlie Smith, who has led UniTek since September 2021 and is retiring from his executive role. Smith will remain with the company as an advisor, supporting the leadership transition and providing ongoing strategic guidance.

“Pete is an exceptional leader whose vision and operational expertise make him the ideal choice to lead UniTek into its next phase of growth,” said Austin Shanfelter, Chairman of UniTek Global Services. “His deep industry knowledge and commitment to operational excellence align well with our strategic priorities, and we are confident in his ability to drive significant value for our customers, employees, and stakeholders."

Shanfelter added, “We are deeply grateful to Charlie for his leadership and dedication over the past several years and appreciate his continued commitment and valued perspective as an advisor as he supports UniTek moving forward.”

Leadership Team Updates

Alongside Sandore’s appointment, UniTek announced several leadership changes designed to support the company’s growth strategy and strengthen its operating businesses:

  • Derek Hutchins, formerly President and Chief Operating Officer, will become President and Chief Executive Officer of UniTek’s Telecom Infrastructure Services Division.
  • Steve Sarno, who joined UniTek through its acquisition of Concurrent Utility Services LLC, will become President and Chief Executive Officer of UniTek’s Power Infrastructure Services Division.
  • Cody Gallarda has joined UniTek as Chief Financial Officer, overseeing finance across the enterprise. He brings more than 20 years of finance leadership experience in infrastructure services businesses.

The leadership changes come as UniTek continues to build its capabilities across the communications, data center, and power infrastructure markets, with a focus on expanding its customer base and delivering integrated infrastructure services.

UniTek is a portfolio company of New Mountain Finance Corporation (Nasdaq: NMFC) and its affiliates, and BTG Pactual Strategic Capital.

Source: UniTek Global Services, Inc.


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This piece was created with the help of generative AI tools and edited by our content team for clarity and accuracy.
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