Espe Named CEO of Armstrong

Lancaster, PA, June 25, 2010--Armstrong World Industries, Inc. has named Matthew J. Espe  chief executive officer and president. His appointment will become effective in late July.

Espe brings 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, distribution and management of global manufacturing businesses to Armstrong. He joins the company from Ricoh Americas Corporation, a subsidiary of Ricoh Company, Ltd., and leading provider of document management products and services, where he serves as chairman and chief executive officer.

He has also served as chairman and chief executive officer of IKON Office Solutions, Inc., a $4 billion office equipment distributor and services provider with 24,000 employees, which was acquired by Ricoh in 2008.

"Matt brings a proven track record of placing a strong focus on customer service and profitable growth and is ideally suited to lead Armstrong into its next phase of growth," said James J. O'Connor, Armstrong's chairman.

"Matt is an experienced executive who knows how to run large organizations efficiently and effectively. Throughout his career he has built businesses using systems and efficiency improvements, such as Six Sigma, to grow revenue and improve profitability. We are especially pleased to have Matt join Armstrong on our 150-year anniversary, a notable occasion in our company's storied history."

Espe succeeds Michael D. Lockhart who stepped down in February.

O'Connor, who was named chairman of the board of directors of Armstrong in February 2010, will continue in that role. The board of directors plans to nominate  Espe to serve on Armstrong's board after his appointment as CEO becomes effective.


Related Topics:Armstrong Flooring