Kaytee Howarth, 34
Regional Vice President – North
ABB Installation Products
Before joining ABB Installation Products a little more than three years ago, Kaytee began her professional journey at a global power management company, where she honed her skills and gained foundational industry knowledge. “I started as a Leadership Development Program trainee, transitioned to outside OEM sales, and then to product and marketing management within the company’s residential business,” she recalled. “During this time, I was able to fully appreciate and understand the complicated decisions that needed to be made to manage a profit and loss statement, ultimately giving me a better sense of how to position and drive sales to customers in the market.”
Taking a leap of faith, Kaytee accepted a national sales manager role at a leading manufacturer of backup power generation products. “It was here that I had my first managerial experience, leading a team focused on selling generators into the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association market,” she said. “This role allowed me to navigate complex yet smaller organizations, effectively driving and changing internal processes to accomplish goals and empower my team.”
Family obligations and a desire to move back home led Kaytee and her new family to Detroit in her current role at ABB Installation Products. “I serve as a regional sales manager—overseeing sales strategies, managing client relationships, and contributing to the company’s regional growth,” she said. “In this role, I manage three districts composed of multiple overlapping teams with different functions and focuses to collectively manage a multi-million-dollar geography, stretching from Michigan to Maryland.”
Kaytee noted that she entered the industry driven by a passion for problem-solving and creating innovative solutions. “The dynamic nature of technology fascinated me, and I wanted to be part of shaping the future of electrification. As a new hire, the fast-paced environment and constant learning opportunities appealed to me, along with the collaborative spirit and the chance to work in an industry that is so critical to everything we do in our lives,” she said. “What continues to appeal to me is the thrill of solving complex puzzles, the camaraderie among colleagues, and the significant impact our work has on people’s lives.”
The fact that the electrical industry touches almost every aspect of our daily routines also appeals to Kaytee. “Many of us may not recognize how much the products and technology our businesses provide sustain our lives. It’s because of this fact that the electrical industry is an exciting and important industry to both begin and finish your career in,” she said, adding “I also enjoy leading diverse teams, fostering collaboration, and building strong relationships with clients, partners, stakeholders, and coworkers.”
Asked about a significant challenge the industry currently faces, Kaytee pointed to the rapid pace of technological advancements and the need for digital transformation. “Balancing rising demand and innovation with ethical considerations, especially in the realm of AI and automation, is also crucial,” she said. “In my role, I aim to foster a problem-solver environment, encouraging my teams and others to experiment with new tools and think outside the box. I actively engage in discussions focused on upskilling our teams. Through leadership positions in ABB’s Encompass Women employee resource group, I also collaborate across functions to bring awareness to resources and events that foster inclusive environments and connect our employees, helping facilitate their personal development.”
Looking ahead, Kaytee noted that throughout her career, “I have consistently sought opportunities for growth and development, pursued training and certifications, and adapted to increasing responsibilities, demonstrating my commitment to the electrical industry. Long term, I am passionate about fostering my desire to learn and progress to ultimately help power a safer and more sustainable tomorrow. Short term, I see the opportunity to take on my next career challenge by expanding my scope and embracing bigger business responsibilities in a commercial capacity.”
Kaytee is focused on getting to her next career step in several ways: Staying informed about market trends, emerging technologies and customer needs; engaging in discussions that broaden her outlook; and building connections with ABB colleagues, industry peers and seasoned professionals. She actively seeks opportunities for further training and attends industry events to network and learn customer perspectives and market history.
“With these steps, I work toward my career goal of moving into a position that manages multiple functions and leads both the strategic outlook and the tactical execution of a business unit’s goals,” Kaytee said. “Being positioned at a global company like ABB with a century-long legacy of innovation, there are always opportunities to continue developing and growing within the business.”
For those just entering the industry, Kaytee’s advice is to be open to learning and take every opportunity to gain diverse experiences. “Building a strong network, seeking mentorship, and staying adaptable are crucial, as the industry is ever-changing,” she explained. “Embrace curiosity and continuous learning, tackle challenges with a problem-solving mindset and don’t fear failure; it’s part of growth. Additionally, treat everyone with respect, as everyone can be a valuable collaborator.”
Outside of work, Kaytee enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children, especially exploring her local community in Michigan. “I also love socializing with friends and colleagues, reading books—particularly biographies, fantasy, and action thrillers—and traveling to new places, especially international destinations,” she added.
Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tedmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2025 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
Tagged with 2024 30 Under 35, 30 under 35, ABB, people