Cornerstone Building Brands Appoints Industry Veteran Gunner Smith as CEO
Cornerstone Building Brands, one of North America’s premier manufacturers of exterior building products, has officially appointed Gunner Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective August 11. The announcement marks a pivotal moment in the company’s ongoing evolution and growth strategy, as it continues to focus on innovation, customer value, and industry leadership.
The appointment follows an extensive and rigorous executive search process led by the company’s Board of Directors. The goal was to identify a leader who not only brings deep industry expertise but also aligns with the company’s vision of delivering long-term value to its customers and stakeholders. Gunner Smith emerged as the standout candidate due to his proven track record of commercial success, operational excellence, and leadership in the building products space.
A Strategic Leadership Choice
John Krenicki, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Interim President and CEO of Cornerstone Building Brands, expressed confidence in the board’s selection. “We are excited to welcome Gunner Smith as the next CEO of Cornerstone Building Brands. His strong commercial acumen, deep knowledge of the building products industry, and relentless customer focus make him ideally suited to lead the company into its next phase of growth,” said Krenicki.
Krenicki highlighted Smith’s achievements across multiple leadership roles as evidence of his capability to steer the company forward. “Gunner has consistently driven profitable growth and expanded market share through strategic initiatives and operational discipline. His leadership style and dedication to customer partnerships align perfectly with our mission of being the premier exterior building solutions provider in North America.”
Industry Expertise Rooted in Experience
Smith brings over two decades of experience in the building products industry to his new role. Prior to joining Cornerstone Building Brands, he held key leadership positions at Owens Corning, a global leader in building and industrial materials. Most recently, he served as President of the company’s Roofing division, where he led one of the top-performing roofing businesses in the U.S. and Canada. His role involved overseeing a portfolio of roofing shingles and components, distributed through a robust network of distributors, home centers, and lumberyards.
During his tenure at Owens Corning, which began in 2008, Smith held various senior roles in sales, marketing, and pricing strategy. He served as Vice President of Sales, Distribution, and Home Centers, playing a critical role in expanding the company’s customer reach and enhancing its market responsiveness. Under his leadership, the roofing division consistently outperformed competitors, setting benchmarks for customer service and product innovation.
Smith’s familiarity with Cornerstone Building Brands is not new. Earlier in his career, he served as a National Sales Manager at PlyGem®, one of the legacy companies that merged to form Cornerstone Building Brands in 2018. His time at PlyGem, combined with earlier experience at Elk Corporation in sales management roles, provides him with a unique understanding of Cornerstone’s business model and culture.
Broader Leadership and Governance Credentials
In addition to his executive experience, Smith also contributes to corporate governance in other sectors. Since 2023, he has served as a board member at Howmet Aerospace, a leading global supplier of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. He is a member of both the Audit and Finance Committees at Howmet, showcasing his financial acumen and strategic oversight capabilities.
His participation in governance activities extends his impact beyond day-to-day operations, reinforcing his ability to contribute to long-term business strategy and stakeholder engagement at the board level.
A Solid Educational Foundation
Gunner Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mississippi State University. To further strengthen his strategic and leadership skills, he also completed executive education in sales leadership at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. This combination of formal education and practical experience has helped shape his analytical approach to problem-solving and his effectiveness as a transformational leader.
As he prepares to take the helm at Cornerstone Building Brands, Smith is expected to focus on several key priorities: accelerating innovation, deepening customer relationships, driving operational efficiency, and expanding the company’s footprint in high-growth markets. His leadership will be instrumental in helping the company navigate the challenges and opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving construction and manufacturing landscape.
The appointment of Smith also underscores Cornerstone’s commitment to cultivating strong leadership capable of adapting to industry shifts, such as evolving customer preferences, sustainability demands, and digital transformation. His background positions him to build upon the foundation laid by previous leaders and propel the company into its next chapter of performance and purpose.
With an extensive history in the building materials sector, demonstrated leadership in revenue growth and customer success, and a clear alignment with Cornerstone’s long-term vision, Gunner Smith is poised to make a significant and lasting impact as the company’s new CEO.
