Luigi Di Geso Honored with Joe A. Tarver Award at Coverings 2026
MAPEI Corporation has announced that Luigi Di Geso, President and CEO of MAPEI North America, has been honored with the prestigious Joe A. Tarver Service to the Industry Award for 2026. The award was presented by the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) during Coverings 2026, one of the industry’s most prominent gatherings. The recognition ceremony took place following a keynote address delivered by Gary Sinise, in an event proudly sponsored by MAPEI.
The Joe A. Tarver Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the NTCA, presented annually to a U.S.-based professional who has demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and long-term contributions to the tile and stone industry. Named after NTCA Executive Director Emeritus Joe Tarver, the award celebrates individuals whose careers have significantly advanced the industry through advocacy, education, and collaboration.
In announcing the recognition, Bart Bettiga, Executive Director of the NTCA, highlighted Di Geso’s enduring influence and commitment to the trade. He emphasized that the award is reserved for individuals who make a meaningful and lasting impact on the tile industry throughout their careers. Under Di Geso’s leadership, MAPEI North America has played a pivotal role in supporting industry growth, particularly through its strong focus on training, education, and proper specification of tile installation materials. Bettiga also noted that MAPEI’s ongoing support of NTCA initiatives and broader industry programs has contributed to higher standards and more successful project outcomes across the sector.
Accepting the honor, Di Geso expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, stating that the award reflects not only his personal journey but also the collective efforts of the many professionals who contribute to the industry’s success. He underscored his long-standing commitment to fostering professionalism, strengthening educational initiatives, and promoting collaboration among manufacturers, contractors, distributors, and trade associations. According to Di Geso, the growth of individuals within the industry ultimately drives the advancement of the entire sector—a philosophy that has guided his leadership approach for decades.
Di Geso’s association with MAPEI spans more than 20 years, during which he has held several key leadership roles. Between 2004 and 2009, he served as General Manager of MAPEI’s Canadian operations, where he helped strengthen the company’s presence in the region. He was later appointed President and CEO of MAPEI North America, a role in which he has overseen a period of remarkable growth and transformation.
Under his leadership, MAPEI North America has significantly expanded its product portfolio, growing from just three product lines to 19. At the same time, the company has broadened its operational footprint, increasing the number of facilities from 12 to 28 across North America and the Caribbean. This expansion reflects a strategic focus on innovation, customer service, and long-term investment in infrastructure and capabilities.
Financially, the company has also achieved substantial growth during Di Geso’s tenure. Annual revenue has increased from approximately $260 million to over $1 billion, marking a significant milestone in the company’s evolution. This growth has been driven by a combination of product innovation, market expansion, and a strong emphasis on sustainability.
A key aspect of Di Geso’s leadership has been his commitment to environmentally responsible practices. He has championed the development of technologies that support sustainable construction, including solutions that promote circular economy principles and reduce environmental impact. These initiatives align with broader industry trends toward greener building practices and reflect MAPEI’s role as a forward-thinking leader in construction materials.
Beyond his responsibilities at MAPEI, Di Geso is actively involved in numerous industry and business organizations, contributing to the advancement of the construction sector as a whole. His collaborations span more than 80 professional groups, including the Tile Council of North America, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada, and the Italian-Canadian Community Foundation. Through these affiliations, he continues to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation across industries and regions.
Di Geso’s leadership philosophy emphasizes integration across all aspects of the business, including research and development, marketing, sales, customer service, and technical support. By aligning these functions, MAPEI has been able to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions that meet the evolving needs of contractors and construction professionals. This holistic approach has strengthened the company’s reputation as a trusted partner in the building sector.
The formal presentation of the Joe A. Tarver Award took place during the NTCA/TCNA Awards Program at Coverings 2026, held on April 1, 2026. The event brought together industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders to celebrate excellence and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of tile and stone construction.
Overall, Di Geso’s recognition with this prestigious award highlights not only his personal achievements but also the broader impact of his leadership on the industry. Through his dedication to innovation, education, sustainability, and collaboration, he has helped shape the future of the tile and stone sector while inspiring the next generation of professionals.
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