Deceuninck North America named Joren Knockaert as its new president and CEO. The company appointed Knockaert to succeed Filip Geeraert, who announced his retirement as president and CEO earlier this month.

Francis Van Eeckhout, CEO of Deceuninck Group, the parent company of Deceuninck North America, says Knockaert comes to Deceuninck with extensive global experience and a deep understanding of vinyl manufacturing.

“Joren is an outstanding organizational leader with a keen eye for new product development and nurturing talent,” says Van Eeckhout. “We are excited to have him step in to orchestrate our continued growth at Deceuninck North America.”

Knockaert joins Deceuninck from Mohawk Industries, the world’s largest flooring company, where, as vice president of operations, he ran Mohawk-IVC’s North American operations in sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl flooring. In addition to overseeing four manufacturing plants, Knockaert guided the start-up of a $200 million facility.

Prior to Mohawk, Knockaert had executive roles with Bekaert, the global steel wire transformation and coatings company, managing operations in China and production in Belgium. He started his career with Solutia, the American manufacturer of chemical-based materials, working with its PVB and artificial turf extrusion division.

Knockaert says he sees significant growth opportunities for the company.

“The fenestration industry is well-primed for innovation in products and processes,” he says. “I believe Deceuninck North America is ideally positioned to advance innovation, design and reliability for each of our fabricators across the continent.”

“Joren has the skills, expertise and leadership qualities that will take us into new territory,” adds Geeraert. “I am looking forward to working with him and our Board to continue our transformation into a new age of fenestration.”

Following the resolution of administrative delays caused by the COVID-19 crisis, Knockaert will join the DNA team on August 1, 2020.

Listen to DWM’s latest podcast for an interview with Geeraert regarding his future, and his successor.