Tech leader named Distinguished Engineering Executive in Residence

Consumer electronics technology leader James Politeski has earned the esteemed role of Distinguished Engineering Executive in Residence within McMaster University’s Faculty of Engineering.

Politeski, the former Group President at Sears Holding and a McMaster Engineering alumnus, will hold the key advisory position and will help drive innovation within the Faculty by engaging with students, scholars and academic leaders.

“James Politeski is a distinguished alumnus of McMaster Engineering,” said Ishwar Puri, McMaster’s Dean of Engineering. “An active member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, James has proven himself to be a mentor who is interested in moving the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship among both faculty members and students.”

Recognized for his leadership skills and strategic vision, Politeski has dedicated his career to growing and transforming businesses within the consumer electronics industry.

As former Group President of Home Appliances, Consumer Electronics, Commercial Sales and Monark Premium Appliances at Sears Holdings in Chicago, Politeski was responsible for driving transformation towards a member/customer focused approach to retail in a changing retail landscape.

Prior to joining the Sears team, James was President at Samsung Electronics Canada.

“McMaster Engineering has played a key role in my career, and the opportunity to support the great work of this best in class Faculty of Engineering is a privilege that I take very seriously,” Politeski said.  “I look forward to supporting the students and faculty to the best of my abilities. The Distinguished Engineering Executive in Residence role is given to someone who has a primary appointment external to McMaster in a private or public organization.”

Politeski, a McMaster Mechanical Engineering and Management alumnus, will act as a champion of the Faculty by helping to further its vision and offer mentorship to researchers and students.

“James has impressive experience with major international companies,” said John Preston, McMaster Engineering’s Associate Dean Research & External Relations. “His expertise in strategy development and execution, change management, coaching and mentoring, operations management, data driven decisions and more will be invaluable to our Faculty.”

On May 4, 2017, McMaster’s Faculty of Engineering recognized Politeski with the L.W. Shemilt Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award recipient.

Politeski joins McMaster Engineering alumnus and tech leader Stephen Elop who was appointed to the position of Distinguished Executive in Residence in 2016.