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Barnwell, S.C. – Swiss Krono Group, the world leader in laminate flooring, appoints a new CEO & President, Erik Christensen, to run its US operations in Barnwell, South Carolina, effective October 24, 2017.
Mr. Christensen comes to Swiss Krono from Hansgrohe, a German manufacturer of premium decorative plumbing, where he served as President for the North American business for the last 3 ½ years. He brings to Swiss Krono over 28 years of building products experience including leadership roles at flooring companies such as Armstrong World Industries and Shaw.
“Erik’s strong performance in the building products market segment, specifically his previous work within the US flooring industry, makes him the ideal leader for our US operations. We look forward to working with Erik as Swiss Krono continues to grow its presence in the United States and as our Barnwell plant becomes home to our new HDF line, which starts up at the end of 2018.”, says Mr. Brettenthaler, CEO & Chairman of the Executive Committee of Swiss Krono Group.
Mr. Christensen will lead the Swiss Krono USA management team comprised of R. Dichiara (Finance), W. Graf Grote (Manufacturing), T. Bass (Sales & Marketing), C. Billue (Supply Chain) and N. Grant (HR). With his vast experience, Mr. Christensen and the leadership team will turn the investment of US $250 million into a successful new plant, another major milestone for the further growth of the Swiss Krono Group. Construction is now well under way and the erection of the new factory has started.
Mr. Christensen succeeds Zeb Portanova, who will remain with Swiss Krono through November to advise the company and to assure a smooth transition.
