YKK AP America (YKK AP) announced the appointment of Raymond Shelton as Vice President/Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer. This underscores the company’s continued commitment to building a better society through architectural products that connect people, the planet and the future.

In his new role, Shelton is responsible for leading and directing YKK AP America group companies in developing, implementing, and leading sustainability efforts. He will also oversee the company’s corporate communications and community engagement initiatives.

“Environmental responsibility, sustainability and carbon reduction are among the highest priority of business activities at YKK AP,” said Oliver Stepe, president and CEO of YKK AP America Inc. “Raymond’s strong background in corporate responsibility, strategic planning, and environmental, social and corporate governance makes him well-suited for this position. With Raymond leading our efforts, I am confident we will continue to advance our contributions to society’s sustainable growth through corporate development, technology innovation and process improvement.”

Shelton comes to YKK AP after more than twenty years at The Coca-Cola Company, where he worked as an experienced sustainability, public affairs, communications, and finance executive. He has a successful track record leading teams and managing transformation. Most recently, he served as senior director of environmental, social and governance operational (ESG) finance. Shelton holds a master’s degree in international business from the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business.

“I am proud to be a part of a team that is genuinely committed to building a better society through their products and processes,” said Shelton. “I look forward to bringing my time, talent and expertise to YKK AP to further enhance their strategies to build a more sustainable future.”

YKK AP continues to lead the industry in its sustainability practices. All of its North American manufacturing plants including Erie Architectural Products plant in Lakeshore, ON are ISO 14001 certified, a standard which reduces the environmental footprint of a business as well as decreases the pollution and waste a business produces. In 2009, the company was the first manufacturer to bring products to market designed specifically to address energy needs, and in 2015, YKK AP elevated its commitment to sustainability by becoming the first facades manufacturer to voluntarily provide third-party certified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for all products in its portfolio. In 2023, YKK AP became the first facades manufacturer to partner with software company cove.tool to make it quicker and easier for architects to reach their project’s carbon, cost and energy performance goals. YKK AP is regularly recognized for its environmental practices, most recently by the Georgia Water Coalition with the Clean 13 Award, which recognizes organizations whose initiatives have led to a more sustainable future for Georgians.

To learn more about YKK AP’s environmental practices, go to https://www.ykkap.com/commercial/company/environmental-social-responsibility/.