Executives
Leadership Change Within the Roto Group
Roto Group has announced changes to its leadership team. On August 31, Dr. Eckhard Keill stepped down from his position as sole director of Roto Frank Holding AG. He is succeeded by Christoph Hugenberg, previous CEO of Roto Frank Roof & Solar Technology (Roto DST). Keill is now a member of the supervisory boards for Roto Group’s three divisions, as well as a member of the supervisory board of Roto Frank Holding AG. Hugenberg’s position at Roto DST was taken over by Dipl.-Ing. Jochen Frieß.
Roto Group shareholders and supervisory board members have also decided to appoint Keill to the supervisory board of Roto Frank Holding AG.
Keill joined Roto Group as chairperson of its board of directors in August 2005, taking over as CEO of Roto Frank Window & Door Technology (Roto FTT) at the same time. Since 2007, Hugenberg held a management position at Roto FTT. His appointment as Keill’s successor in the holding company “once again confirms the shareholders’ desire to ensure continuity in the Roto Group,” a company statement suggests.
Deceuninck North America Appoints New VP of Finance
Deceuninck North America has added William Ding to its team in Monroe, Ohio, as vice president of finance.
Ding brings more than 20 years of experience in finance from global manufacturing companies and most recently served as the financial and operations controller for an Ohio-based manufacturer of sustainable plastic and metal products. A certified management accountant for 20 years, he earned an MBA from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas and a bachelor’s degree from Henan University in Kaifeng, China. Ding assumed his role at the end of the first quarter of 2025.
Cornerstone Building Brands Names New CEO
As Hugenberg’s successor as CEO of Roto DST, Dipl.-Ing. Jochen Frieß’s professional life “is also characterized by continuity and loyalty,” officials said. Frieß began his career at the ebm-papst Group in 1998 as a sales engineer, where he took on steadily increasing responsibilities in sales, product management and management. In 2022, he was appointed to the group’s board of directors. “Jochen Frieß has acquired over two decades of experience and knowledge at a company whose values are similar to those of the Roto Group,” Hugenberg said.
The new CEO of Roto Frank Holding AG, Christoph Hugenberg, will lead the company as his predecessor Dr. Eckhard Keill takes on a role on the supervisory board of Roto Frank Holding AG and continues to serve as chair of Roto’s three supervisory boards.
Cornerstone Building Brands, parent company to PlyGem, Simonton, Silver Line, Atrium and numerous other door and window brands, named Gunner Smith its new CEO. In April, the company announced former CEO Rose Lee had resigned in March, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Lee had served as CEO of the company since September 2021, following the retirement of James S. Metcalf. Since Lee’s departure, John Krenicki, chairperson of the company’s board of directors, has served as interim president and CEO.
Smith was selected by the company’s board of directors through a comprehensive search, officials said. His strong commercial background and experience leading high-performing businesses in the building products industry, along with his relentless focus on delivering value to customers, positioned him for the role, they said. Most recently, he served as president of roofing at Owens Corning, a position he held since 2018. Prior to that, he served as vice president of sales, distribution and home centers and in other positions leading sales, marketing and pricing for the organization since he joined Owens Corning in 2008.
Before joining Owens Corning, Smith was a national sales manager at PlyGem, which is one of the two companies that formed Cornerstone Building Brands. He has been a board member of Howmet Aerospace since 2023, serving on the Audit and Finance Committees. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mississippi State University and additional credentials in executive selling from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Marvin Promotes Culture Leader to VP Role
Marvin has promoted Renee Rice to vice president of human resources and culture. In her new role, Rice will lead efforts to support company-wide transformation, strengthen internal communications, and “guide an innovative employee experience,” advancing business goals by reinforcing the company’s “people-first culture,” officials said.
Since joining Marvin in 2021, Rice has established a company-wide internal communications function and reworked the company’s people recognition programs. Most recently, she served as Marvin’s senior director of communications and culture. Previously, Rice was a partner and communications leader at Minneapolis-based marketing communications agency Haberman. She is now based at Marvin’s headquarters in Warroad, Minnesota.
Simpson Door Company Appoints New President
Simpson Door Company has announced the appointment of Steve Schneider as its new president. Schneider succeeds Phil Steklenski, who retires after more than a decade of dedicated service.
With more than two decades of experience at Simpson, Schneider brings significant operational expertise and a strong customer-first mindset, company officials said. He joined the company in 2001 and has held key roles in operations and sales, most recently serving as the vice president of manufacturing.
Officials also extended a heartfelt appreciation to Steklenski, who served as president since 2014. Steklenski has been instrumental in guiding the company through a decade of growth and transformation, helping position Simpson as an industry leader.
Sales
Anthony Innovations Expands U.S. Sales Team
Anthony Innovations, an Australian designer and manufacturer of door and window hardware, has expanded its United States sales team, as Mateus Tuon has been appointed to manage the Eastern region as well as the West Coast relocation of sales leader Levi Waddington. In doing so, company officials say they are creating a dedicated coast-to-coast presence to enhance customer support and drive market growth.
Originally from Brazil, Tuon holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida. He brings a robust background in technical consultative sales and engineering, having previously specialized in industries ranging from aerospace to plastic extrusion systems. His expertise in translating complex technical requirements into effective commercial solutions makes him a vital asset for customers in the eastern U.S., company officials said.
Waddington will now be based in California to serve the western United States, Canada and Mexico. With more than a decade of sales leadership in the building materials and hardware sectors across Australia and New Zealand, officials say he has been instrumental in driving growth since joining Anthony Innovations in 2023.
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