Universal Lighting Technologies, Nashville, Tenn., a member of the Panasonic family of companies, recently announced the addition of Steve DeBlasi as director of distribution sales in the western United States and western Canada. In his new role, DeBlasi will work to expand the channel and support growth of Universal’s LED lighting solutions.

With more than 30 years of sales experience, DeBlasi has worked closely with numerous customer sets, such as OEMs, consulting engineers, architects, distributors, agents, and end users. In past roles, DeBlasi has opened new markets, developed chain and distributor branch partners, worked with buyer groups, and delivered results for a multitude of key accounts. Prior to joining Universal, he served as a vice president of sales and marketing, business development manager, and regional sales manager within the lighting industry.

DeBlasi will maintain close relationships with agents, distributors, end users, electrical contractors, ESCOs, LMCs, and lighting representative firms to grow distribution sales opportunities while providing strategic leadership to target success. His role will be based in California.