New CEO at Masonite

Frederick Lynch, Masonite International Inc.’s president since last July, will expand his title and responsibilities as he assumes the role of CEO. He replaces Kenneth Freeman, who will continue as chairman of the residential and commercial door manufacturer.

Despite the recent loss of a significant portion of its business with Home Depot, company officials say the leadership change was planned. “This is an orderly, well-planned transition, and the time is right,” Freeman says. “Since joining Masonite as president, Fred Lynch has demonstrated the skills, vision and values that will enable him to be a great CEO for Masonite.”

He added that Lynch has accelerated progress in the areas of talent acquisition, customer satisfaction, manufacturing excellence, product innovation and employee engagement.

Lynch notes that the company has taken a number of steps to control costs, improve quality, expand the customer base and broaden the product line in positioning itself for a new period of growth when the North American home construction and repair, remodeling and renovation markets recover from the current downturn. At the same time, he adds, “Masonite is moving aggressively to take advantage of significant growth opportunities in Europe and Asia.”

Freeman is a managing director of Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co., the investment firm that owns Masonite.

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