Business
CEO Matthew Missad to move to Executive Chairman role at UFP Industries; William “Will” Schwartz named CEO; CFO Mike Cole to add new role, President of Corporate Services
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- After more than 13 years of transformational leadership and as part of a planned succession strategy, UFP Industries
About this update from Ufp Industries, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":" GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nAfter more than 13 years of transformational leadership and as part of a planned succession strategy, UFP Industries Chairman and CEO Matthew J. Missad announced he will take on a new role to prepare the next generation of leadership and usher in a new era of growth for the company. On December 29, 2024, the start of the new fiscal year, Missad will become executive chairman and William “Will” Schwartz, current president of the company’s retail business unit, will become the Chief Executive Officer. Chief Financial Officer Michael Cole will add the title of President of Corporate Services to his current duties to further strengthen the management team.\n\n\n“Throughout his impressive career at UFP, Will has been hungry to take on new roles and responsibilities, and he has succeeded at every turn,” Missad said. “He has earned a reputation as an effective, creative leader who makes the businesses and people he manages better. He is the right person to lead us into the next decade and beyond. I’m excited for him, for the people of UFP, and for our customers, vendors and shareholders.”\n\n\nFor the remainder of 2024, Missad will work closely with Schwartz on the transition and on filling newly created vacancies that result from the promotion. Missad has agreed to remain executive chairman through 2026 to assist Schwartz in his role as CEO and provide support where needed. He also will assist with shareholder relations while continuing to nurture longtime customer and vendor relationships.\n\n\n“It’s an exciting time to be at UFP because of the opportunities these changes create for our teammates,” Missad said. “Our succession planning process has created an excellent group of leaders, and I am confident that this new team of experienced executives will achieve even greater success.”\n\n\nMissad has been CEO since July 2011. Under his leadership the company has made significant changes and improvements, including the creation of a new operating structure based on market segments rather than geography. This change has generated better alignment with customers, quicker decision making and greater focus. Missad also placed a greater emphasis on innovation and new products that increased the company’s percentage of value-added products while dramatically expanding the company’s profit margins. Sin...