THERMA-TRU NAMES DAVID M. RANDICH AS PRESIDENT
MAUMEE, OHIO (Nov. 20, 2007) ―Therma-Tru® Doors, an operating unit of Fortune Brands (NYSE: FO), today announced that David M. Randich has been named president of the Company succeeding Carl B. Hedlund, current president and CEO, who will retire at the end of the year.
Effective today, Mr. Randich will begin his transition with Mr. Hedlund before officially assuming the role of president on January 1, 2008. Mr. Randich will be based at Therma-Tru's headquarters in Maumee, Ohio.
Mr. Randich, 46, comes from Armstrong World Industries, Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacture of floors, ceilings and cabinets, where he spent 24 years in a variety of leadership roles including his most recent position as CEO of the Company's floor covering business in Europe.
Prior to that, Mr. Randich served as CEO of their European Ceilings Business based in London; General Manager of Manufacturing, Armstrong Building Products, where he was responsible for several plants worldwide; and plant manager in Shanghai, China, and Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Randich holds a Bachelor"s degree in Industrial Management from Purdue University and an M.B.A. from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.
"We welcome Dave and pledge our fullest possible support to him as he prepares to assume his new responsibilities. He is a fact-based team builder who is passionate about building brands through delivering quality products and service to customers. His extensive experience in various markets and product categories with multiple supply chain configurations prepares him very well to lead Therma-Tru," said Rich Forbes, president and CEO of Fortune Brands Home and Hardware.
"At the same time, I'd like to thank Carl for his many contributions to Therma-Tru over the past seven years including transitioning from a privately-held business to a division of a Fortune 500 company and playing an integral part in entering into a key strategic relationship with Lowe's where the Company was recognized as "Vendor of the Year". Carl also helped Therma-Tru expand market share in other underserved channels such as National Pro Dealer based on his extensive relationships among these dealers and the builders they serve. We wish him well in his retirement," continued Forbes.
"I am pleased to be joining such an accomplished industry leader," said Mr. Randich. "I look forward to joining the team of associates at Therma-Tru and building upon their proud history of delivering demonstrable value, quality and service to their customers."
About Therma-Tru
Therma-Tru Doors is the nation's leading manufacturer and most preferred brand of fiberglass and steel exterior door systems. Founded in 1962, Therma-Tru pioneered the fiberglass entry door industry, and today offers a complete portfolio of entry and patio door system solutions, including decorative glass doorlites, sidelites and transoms, and door components. Therma-Tru, headquartered in Maumee, Ohio, is part of leading consumer brands company Fortune Brands Inc. (NYSE: FO). For more information on Therma-Tru Doors, visit www.thermatru.com or call (800) 537-8827.
CONTACT: Therma-Tru, Sara Theis, 419-891-7400 ext. 7426.