SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: James Hardie Industries (NYSE: JHX), a world leader in fiber cement home siding and exterior design solutions, announced the appointment of Mr Aaron Erter as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

 Aaron Erter joins James Hardie from a distinguished leadership career in large global and North American industrial, consumer and manufacturing businesses.

Commenting on the appointment of Aaron Erter, Chairman Mike Hammes said, “A comprehensive search conducted by global executive recruitment firm Heidrick & Struggles identified a number of outstanding candidates. Following a thorough evaluation process, the Board concluded that Aaron’s combination of experience, capabilities and leadership attributes was the ideal fit to lead James Hardie.

 “Aaron is an exceptional leader and we’re excited for him to join James Hardie. Aaron has more than two decades of experience leading large and complex industrial and consumer businesses, including various global leadership roles at Sherwin Williams, as well as the last two years as the CEO of PLZ Corporation. Aaron brings a wealth of experience and passion to James Hardie and will be supported by our highly capable leadership team.

 “James Hardie is a high-performance global company that has built its presence and reputation over many years through fast-paced and results oriented work. The Board is confident that Aaron has the right mix of attributes to continue the considerable growth ambitions of the business while strengthening our culture as the business evolves and expands.”

 Deputy Chairperson and Chair-elect, Ms Anne Lloyd said, “Aaron is a leader of exceptional caliber and joins James Hardie at a pivotal time in our history; we are in a strong financial position, we have the right foundational strategy, and we have an excellent core leadership team. Aaron brings experience leading global teams and the ability to execute strategies that combine innovation, marketing to the homeowner and penetrating new and existing markets and segments. Aaron has proven capability and extensive experience in understanding the consumers’ needs, commercializing the right innovative products to meet those needs, and driving growth through the right consumer marketing.

 “I am pleased to welcome Aaron to James Hardie as I transition into the Chairperson role in November. It is an energizing period for the organization as we continue to drive profitable growth globally.”

 Commenting on his appointment, Mr Erter said, “I have long admired James Hardie and the chance to join a business of this quality, with a world class team, is a tremendous opportunity. I have been fortunate to work for some world-class organizations in my career, and I am confident that my experience and expertise align with what James Hardie needs in a leader. I am passionate about joining a global industry leader that is committed to progress, innovation and building a brighter future.Hardie is in a solid financial position to execute upon a well-rooted growth strategy. There is a high-performance culture focused on creating a positive impact in the communities we serve. The relentless pursuit of providing solutions to the trade and offering materials that help beautify and protect homes will continue to grow under my leadership. These are qualities that have built the business into the leader it is today and will be our guiding principles as we move forward. “I am joining a dynamic and supportive Board and executive team that align with my values of integrity, accountability, and transparency. We are all committed to building a better James Hardie together.” Mr. Erter will be based out of the company’s Chicago, Illinois, USA office.