Wilsonart's CEO retires, new CEO takes the helm

Andrew Korzen takes helm as president and CEO of Wilsonart.

AUSTIN, Texas — Wilsonart, a global leader in engineered surfaces, said that Tim O’Brien has retired from his role as president and CEO as previously planned, after a successful tenure with the company. Andrew Korzen, currently responsible for operations, sales, product management, marketing and design for Wilsonart, will succeed O’Brien as president and .

Korzen joined Wilsonart in April of 2014 and previously served as vice president of Wilsonart sales for the U.S. and Canada, where he was responsible for top-line growth across Wilsonart distribution channels and direct account segments, as well as leading the U.S. and Canada sales team, including warehouse operations. Before serving as vice president of sales, Korzen was Wilsonart's vice president of product management, responsible for leading the growth and global expansion of Wilsonart Quartz, Wilsonart Solid Surface and Durcon Epoxy product lines. 

"We are pleased to have such a seamless transition and are excited for Wilsonart’s future under Andy’s leadership,” said John Hayes, operating advisor to CD&R funds and chairman of the Wilsonart Board of Directors. "Since joining Wilsonart more than 10 years ago, Andy has made considerable contributions to the business and demonstrated a rigorous approach to strategy, execution, talent development and customer service. This gives us great confidence that Andy is the right person to build on Wilsonart’s momentum and drive value for our team, customers and partners.”

Korzen said: "I am honored and energized to become the new CEO of Wilsonart. In my previous experience with the company, I developed a deep appreciation for what makes Wilsonart so special. Wilsonart’s success has always been rooted in its robust ability to deliver customers’ visions with surfaces they love and service they can count on all backed by people who care. I believe the company has tremendous opportunities to capitalize on this foundation, innovate for the future and grow its footprint in the market. I look forward to working with our teams here in North America and across the globe as we continue to evolve the company's strategy while delivering on Wilsonart’s commitment to maximize long-term shareholder value."

O’Brien said that he is "proud of all we have accomplished ... Andy and I have worked together closely for years, and I am confident the company will continue to benefit from his business knowledge, expertise and proven leadership. He has been an integral partner in shaping and implementing our strategy, having successfully led our quartz, solid surface and epoxy businesses, and most recently the America’s sales and distribution businesses. I am excited to support Andy and the Wilsonart team in this next chapter.” 

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Larry Adams is a Chicago-based writer and editor who writes about how things get done. A former wire service and community newspaper reporter, Larry is an award-winning writer with more than three decades of experience. In addition to writing about woodworking, he has covered science, metrology, metalworking, industrial design, quality control, imaging, Swiss and micromanufacturing . He was previously a Tabbie Award winner for his coverage of nano-based coatings technology for the automotive industry. Larry volunteers for the historic preservation group, the Kalo Foundation/Ianelli Studios, and the science-based group, Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST).