Solari, Jim

2016 Distinguished Alumni Award

For distinguished leadership, philanthropy, and a dedication to economic development through the power industry

Until recently, Jim Solari was President of G & W Electric Company, Bolingbrook, Illinois. Founded in 1905, G & W Electric is a global leader in providing custom solutions to the electric power industry. Under his leadership, the company experienced exceptional profit and sales growth, setting new records year after year.

He began his professional career at Amoco Oil Company in 1977, where he held a variety of engineering and management positions, progressing to Manager-SAP Implementation. After Amoco merged with British Petroleum to become BP Amoco Corporation, he became Project Director-Merger Strategy where he directed a cross functional project team focused on identifying synergies of the pending merger.

In 2000, Jim joined AMETEK Corporation as a Business Unit Vice President responsible for a $25M custom electronic controls business unit. Jim led the creation and implementation of growth strategies from business development and acquisitions. He managed a portfolio of business improvement initiatives to improve customer satisfaction and increase operating efficiencies.

Jim graduated from the University of Illinois with his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with a concentration in power engineering. In 1983, Jim obtained his MBA from the University of Chicago, specializing in finance and International business.

Jim’s civic involvement includes the Boy Scouts of America and the AMITA Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital. Jim and his wife Maurene have seven children, three grandsons and one granddaughter. His free time is spent golfing and hunting.