Appointments
JELD-WEN Appoints New President; Wendt Remains Chief Executive Officer
JELD-WEN has appointed Philip Orsino as its new president. Orsino had been the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Masonite’s predecessor companies, beginning in 1984 with Century Door, which became Premdor in 1989 and Masonite in 2001 until 2005. Rod Wendt, who has been JELD-WEN’s CEO and president since 1992, will remain as CEO.

As president of JELD-WEN, Orsino will be responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations, and will work with the executive management team on improving overall operational and financial performance, according to a company
statement.

JELD-WEN had announced earlier that Orsino would join its team upon the closing of its equity investment agreement with Onex Corp. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter subject to completion of the associated debt refinancing and other customary conditions. JELD-WEN officials say they decided not to wait for the closing of the transaction, though, and instead appointed Orsino ahead of schedule so that he could immediately participate in key initiatives.

After co-founding Century Door in 1983, Orsino led the company through its 1989 merger with Premdor, followed by the 2001 acquisition of Masonite Corp. from International Paper. Under Orsino’s leadership, Masonite grew organically and through acquisition to $2.5 billion in sales generated in 18 countries, according to the announcement.

Editor’s note: For further information on JELD-WEN, and other breaking news, go to www.dwmmag.com.

Retirements
Spaulding Retires After 25 Years at VEKA
VEKA announced the retirement of 25-year employee and North American board member, Chuck Spaulding, vice president and chief operating officer. His last day was August 31.

Spaulding was first employed with VEKA on November 3, 1986. His contributions to the PVC extrusion industry are numerous and he was instrumental in VEKA’s expansion to four North American sites, according to the announcement.

The company also announced Spaulding’s successor as the new vice president of operations and chief operating officer, Erik Shay. Previously, Shay worked in different operations management roles at Certainteed.

NEW HIRES
Amesbury Expands Into Commercial Market; Hires Pat Junker
Amesbury has expanded its presence in the commercial products market in North America, and has hired Patrick Junker as director of sales and marketing/commercial, to assist in these efforts.

“Many of Amesbury’s present product offerings and services cross perfectly into the commercial markets. However, we have not had a concentrated effort in the past to bring those goods and services to this critical segment of our market,” says Jonathan Petromelis, president and CEO.

Prior to joining Amesbury, Junker worked for G-U Hardware, but says he is excited to be “back” with Amesbury. He worked with the company from 1989 to 1999.

Jim Hackett Joins Endura as VP of Sales and Marketing
Endura Products, based in Colfax, N.C., announced the hiring of Jim Hackett to fill the newly created position of vice president of sales and marketing. Hackett has more than 30 years experience in the millwork business.

Hackett held a variety of sales and marketing positions during his career, and previously worked for Jeld-Wen where he served as vice president of marketing for the company’s door products. He most recently served as vice president of sales for its wholesale distribution channel there.

In his new role with Endura, Hackett will oversee sales and marketing functions. He will also serve as an advocate in the areas
of market research, product development, product introduction and product positioning.

New Business Development Manager Named at Windowmaker
Mike Levine has joined Windowmaker Software Ltd. as the company’s business development manager with responsibility for the U.S. market.

“I hope that my knowledge of the industry … will deliver greater benefits to the company’s existing and future customers,” says Levine, who spent 14 years with Inline Fiberglass.

Goronwy Jones, managing director Windowmaker Software Ltd., adds, “Mike’s wealth of experience and industry knowledge has already made him a key addition to the Windowmaker company team. We view his appointment as a sign of our commitment to being the leading company in our industry.”


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