Generac Holdings Inc., global designer, manufacturer and provider of energy technology solutions and other power products, has announced the promotion of Jim Barnes to Executive Vice President – Global Supply Chain. The company also recently shared that it has won 2025 Red Dot Design Awards for 2 recent product launches. Details on each announcement were shared in news releases issued by the Waukesha, Wis. company.
Barnes's promotion follows the planned retirement of Roger Pascavis, who will step down on June 27, 2025, after a distinguished 30-year career with Generac. Pascavis joined the company in 1995 and has since held a series of progressive leadership roles, including Director of Materials, Vice President of Operations – Waukesha, Senior Vice President of Operations – Waukesha, Eagle, Whitewater, and most recently, Executive Vice President – Global Supply Chain. Pascavis will remain with the company through his retirement date to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
"Roger has been a cornerstone of our global supply chain organization for three decades," said Aaron Jagdfeld, Generac's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "He's played a critical role in shaping our global sourcing strategy, strengthening supplier relationships, and guiding our teams through significant challenges, including the pandemic. His leadership has created a strong foundation that will continue to benefit Generac for years to come — and his presence, passion, and personality will certainly be missed."
Barnes joined Generac in 2022 as a Senior Vice President – Strategic Global Sourcing, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in electronics, contract manufacturing, and global supply chain strategy. In addition to the corporate supply chain, Barnes will lead Generac's Strategic Global Sourcing and Controls & Automation efforts.
"I'm honored to take on this expanded role and build on the strong foundation Roger has created," said Barnes. "I look forward to continuing to evolve our supply chain capabilities to support Generac's growth and long-term strategy."
Barnes began his career with SigmaTron International. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Economics from Illinois State University and a Master of Business Administration from DePaul Driehaus College of Business.
Generac Wins 2 Red Dot Design Awards for Recent Product Launches
In May, Generac announced the product launches for Generac XG Series and PWRcell2 have been recognized for their exceptional product design in the 2025 Red Dot Design Awards. These awards come as a major milestone for Generac, signaling that the company stands out among the very best branding and design on a global scale.
Since 1954, the Red Dot Design Awards have recognized products with outstanding form, function and innovation. Winners are given a Red Dot Label, published in a standard-setting exhibition and used as a model for industry and consumers alike. Awards are decided by a jury of international experts including designers, professors and specialist journalists from various fields. Products are evaluated on quality of functionality, aesthetics, usability and responsibility.
"Generac is committed to improving power by design and putting consumers at the center of everything we do. We are honored to be recognized for our user-friendly design and reliable products," said Generac President and CEO Aaron Jagdfeld.
Generac products that earned the award this year include:
XG Protector Series
The Generac XG Protector Series is a home-standby generator designed with a focus on minimalism, efficiency, and aesthetics for both residential and commercial use. The design emphasizes a clean, streamlined appearance that integrates seamlessly into its environment. By optimizing material usage and tooling processes, we achieved a more efficient, environmentally conscious design while maintaining structural integrity and performance. The result is a visually appealing generator that combines form and function, offering reliable power backup with a refined, modern look.
PWRcell2
We designed Generac PWRcell2 to meet the increasing need for dependable and sustainable energy storage solutions. Recognizing the growing concerns about energy reliability and the demand for improved energy management, we focused on developing a system that excels in performance while also integrating seamlessly into various environments.
Our modular design provides scalability, allowing users to expand the system as their energy requirements evolve. We prioritized a form that harmonizes functionality with aesthetic considerations, ensuring that our product integrates seamlessly into a range of spaces without attracting undue attention. PWRcell2 is part of an integrated home energy ecosystem that includes solar, the ecobee by Generac Smart Thermostat Enhanced Generac's Level 2 EV Chargers and our line of home standby generators.
"The reliable XG Protector Series and innovative PWRcell2 are the result of massive cross-functional efforts between Generac's industrial design, research, engineering product and management teams," said Generac Senior VP Global Product Management and Industrial Design Randy Sandlin. "We are excited to be among the very best in product design around the world."
