LANCASTER, PA.—Armstrong World Industries has named Matthew Espe president and CEO, effective later this month. He succeeds Michael Lockhart, who stepped down earlier this year (FCNews, Feb. 22/March 1). Once his appointment becomes effective, Armstrong’s board plans to nominate him as a director.
Also, it was announced James O’Connor, who was named company chairman when Lockhart resigned, will continue in that role.
Espe, 51, brings 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, distribution and management of global manufacturing businesses to Armstrong. He was most recently chairman and CEO of Ricoh Americas Corp. Prior to this role, he held similar positions with IKON Office Solutions, a $4 billion office equipment distributor and services provider with 24,000 employees, which was acquired by Ricoh in 2008. During his tenure he was credited with launching successive growth programs to increase global accounts, shifting products to a higher-end mix to reach higher-margin segments, and growing professional services through system and software solutions.
He also spent 22 years at GE Lighting, finishing up as president and CEO before joining IKON. In addition, Espe served on the corporate executive council of General Electric.
Armstrong’s board said he brings “a global perspective” to the company, having led businesses in Europe, Asia and North America.
“[He] brings a proven track record of placing a strong focus on customer service and profitable growth, and is ideally suited to lead Armstrong into its next phase of growth,” O’Connor said.
Calling him an “experienced executive,” O’Connor added Espe knows how to run large organizations “efficiently and effectively. Throughout his career he has built businesses using systems and efficiency improvements, such as Six Sigma, to grow revenue and improve profitability.”
Espe said Armstrong is one of the most “well-known and trusted brands in the industry” and credited the company’s employees for this achievement, saying it is “a talented team whose dedication has produced an industry leader known for quality products and superior customer service.”
O’Connor noted Epse’s appointment comes at an historic time for Armstrong as it is celebrating its 150th anniversary, “a notable occasion in our company’s storied history.”
Also, it was announced James O’Connor, who was named company chairman when Lockhart resigned, will continue in that role.
Espe, 51, brings 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, distribution and management of global manufacturing businesses to Armstrong. He was most recently chairman and CEO of Ricoh Americas Corp. Prior to this role, he held similar positions with IKON Office Solutions, a $4 billion office equipment distributor and services provider with 24,000 employees, which was acquired by Ricoh in 2008. During his tenure he was credited with launching successive growth programs to increase global accounts, shifting products to a higher-end mix to reach higher-margin segments, and growing professional services through system and software solutions.
He also spent 22 years at GE Lighting, finishing up as president and CEO before joining IKON. In addition, Espe served on the corporate executive council of General Electric.
Armstrong’s board said he brings “a global perspective” to the company, having led businesses in Europe, Asia and North America.
“[He] brings a proven track record of placing a strong focus on customer service and profitable growth, and is ideally suited to lead Armstrong into its next phase of growth,” O’Connor said.
Calling him an “experienced executive,” O’Connor added Espe knows how to run large organizations “efficiently and effectively. Throughout his career he has built businesses using systems and efficiency improvements, such as Six Sigma, to grow revenue and improve profitability.”
Espe said Armstrong is one of the most “well-known and trusted brands in the industry” and credited the company’s employees for this achievement, saying it is “a talented team whose dedication has produced an industry leader known for quality products and superior customer service.”
O’Connor noted Epse’s appointment comes at an historic time for Armstrong as it is celebrating its 150th anniversary, “a notable occasion in our company’s storied history.”
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