Knauf Insulation, Inc. (KINA), a leading manufacturer of glass mineral wool insulation, announced today that industry veteran Matthew Parrish has been named chief executive officer (CEO) of the company.

Parrish’s elevation to the position of president and CEO is part of a broader reshaping of the Knauf Group global leadership teams following the company’s recent merger with USG Corporation. He replaces Christopher Griffin, who was recently named CEO of USG Corporation. The two companies are going to continue to operate as separate entities.

“Matt is a dynamic, progressive leader with deep management expertise and a track record of delivering measurable results in our industry,” said Manfred Grundke, general partner of Knauf Group. “We have full confidence he will thrive in this new role while continuing the focus on developing and engaging the Knauf team to effectively execute the strategy that was set in motion under previous leadership.”

“Matt’s demonstrated ability to drive sustainable growth will continue to help Knauf lead the industry,” said Griffin, who served as CEO of KINA for three years and originally hired Parrish in June 2017.

Parrish joined KINA as vice president of Residential and Light Commercial Sales and has significant expertise in commercial excellence, product management, cross-functional diversification and talent development. With the industry changing at breakneck speed, Parrish is ready to hit the ground running.

“The norms of yesterday are not the norms of today,” Parrish said. “Customers are expecting more, and we need to recognize that and deliver. I’m convinced we have the right people to handle the ever-changing dynamics of our customers and our industry. And we have a winning strategy in place. We need to stay laser-focused on that strategy while being nimble and agile in our execution.”

Parrish has over 29 years of experience in the building materials industry with primary focuses in the disciplines of insulation and cement. He grew up just outside the Kansas City area in Missouri and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. 

“I look forward to bringing my cross-functional leadership style into this new role and carrying out the strategy set forth by my predecessor,” Parrish said. “KINA is and will continue to be a leader in sustainable thermal and acoustical glass mineral wool insulation.”