INTERFACE, which describes itself as a commercial flooring company and global leader in sustainability, has announced it has appointed Laurel M Hurd as president and ceo, effective 18 April 2022. She’s tasked with leading Interface on its next phase of growth, while also delivering on its mission to become a carbon negative enterprise by 2040. Hurd will succeed Daniel T Hendrix, who has served a second stint in the ceo role since January 2020. Hendrix will continue his 39-year tenure with the company remaining as chairman of the board of directors.
Says the company: ‘Laurel is a results-driven leader who brings to Interface 30 years’ sales management, product development, and brand stewardship experience in the consumer-packaged goods and the consumer durables sectors. As segment president of learning and development at Newell Brands, Hurd oversaw the company’s largest segment representing more than $3bn in revenue in 2021, or more than a quarter of Newell’s overall revenue, and about $600m of operating profit. She has a proven track record of driving profitable growth through innovation and global expansion, and has been lauded by her teams and colleagues as a passionate and inspirational leader.’
‘Laurel has had great success building new market and growth opportunities for some of Newell’s most well-known brands. We’re excited to have her strategic mindset and her passion for design and sustainability coming to Interface to accelerate our growth,’ said Daniel. ‘In addition to a focus on results, she is a well-respected and highly effective leader known for developing top talent and building high-performing teams, all while driving a customer-centred philosophy that helps to win in the marketplace. We are delighted to have attracted such coveted leadership talent to Interface to propel us forward. I’m confident with Laurel at the helm, we have the company, our people, our customers, and our brands in the right hands.’
‘Interface is a special company. I’m drawn by its powerful purpose and honoured to step into the ceo position to build on the company’s foundation as a leader in design, innovation, and sustainability,’ said Laurel. ‘Interface has a strong culture and reputation among business and sustainability leaders, the architect and design community, and with its employees. I see amazing potential to further extend the company’s impact by continuing to deliver on its sustainability mission and purpose. I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on Dan’s unwavering dedication and successful stewardship over the past four decades, particularly through the challenging dynamics of the past two years. I intend to take us forward to capitalise on the re-emergence of the commercial interiors market and to continue to take share globally as we successfully diversify across segments and expand our mix of products.’
Laurel continued, ‘I’m incredibly optimistic about the potential for future growth and market leadership at Interface. I believe the company has the perfect combination of innovation, passion, and unique expertise to deliver on promises to clients globally. I’m proud to join Interface to lead this incredible team on the next phase of our journey.’
Laurel has spent most of her career at Newell Brands. In her most recent role as head of the learning and development segment, she led double-digit growth of the segment and was responsible for market share expansion for the writing category in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. She oversaw a global supply chain including eight manufacturing plants in seven countries. Hurd also was recently appointed as an independent director of the board of directors of THOR Industries, Inc (NYSE: THO), where she serves on the audit and compensation committees.
Chris Kennedy, ceo selection committee member and lead independent director of the Interface board, said: ‘Laurel is an impressive operational leader, bringing to Interface her experience with global P&L responsibility in brand-oriented consumer spaces and a strong track record of developing and leading diverse, inclusive teams at Newell Brands. I knew the founders of Interface, and I’m convinced Laurel will extend the legacy of sustainability, innovation, great design, a love for customers, and an appreciation of the team that’s here, which has been the hallmark of Interface’s leadership.’
www.interface.com
