James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE/ASX: JHX) announces the appointment of Nigel Stein as Chair of the Board of Directors, effective November 17, 2025. Mr. Stein brings extensive experience from prominent global sectors, including automotive and manufacturing, and previously served as Chairman of Inchcape plc from 2018 to 2024 and as Chief Executive Officer of GKN Ltd (formerly GKN plc) from 2012 to 2017. This appointment reflects the Company’s commitment to shareholder value creation and its proactive approach to the integration of the recent AZEK business acquisition. The new leadership structure also incorporates Jesse Singh, currently a Board member, as Chair of an ad-hoc Integration and Performance Committee, alongside Aaron Erter, CEO, and existing Board members Howard Heckes and Persio Lisboa. The Committee’s role is to oversee the integration, synergy delivery, and overall business performance resulting from the acquisition.
Mr. Stein’s background includes a significant tenure with Ferguson plc, the leading specialist distributor of plumbing and heating products in North America, where he served as an independent non-executive director on the Board from 2003 until 2011. His experience as Group Chief Financial Officer, spanning six years from 2003 to 2011, underscores his deep financial acumen. Mr. Stein is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, further solidifying his credentials. The appointment signals a deliberate effort by James Hardie to address shareholder feedback and guide the company’s strategic direction, particularly as it navigates the complexities of the AZEK integration.
Recognizing a desire for enhanced shareholder engagement, Mr. Stein intends to undertake extensive travel, beginning with face-to-face meetings in Australia. These meetings are designed to foster direct communication and to identify potential Australian independent director candidates who could offer additional perspectives and skills to the Board. Furthermore, he will meticulously review current remuneration practices with the aim of aligning them more closely with company performance. This commitment reflects James Hardie’s dedication to responsive governance and a transparent approach to decision-making. The integration committee will also assist in this review.
James Hardie Industries plc is a global leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, characterized by a broad portfolio including fiber cement, fiber gypsum, and composite and PVC decking and railing products. These products, marketed under trusted brands such as Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell® and StruXure®, are engineered for beauty, durability, and climate resilience. With a substantial footprint across North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, James Hardie’s strategic integration of AZEK is a key component of its long-term growth strategy. The company is incorporated and governed according to Irish laws, maintaining its principal executive offices at 1st Floor, Block A, One Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2, D02 FD79, Ireland.
James Hardie Industries plc acknowledges the importance of ongoing investor relations and is prepared to actively engage with shareholders. The formation of the Integration and Performance Committee, combined with Mr. Stein’s leadership, represents a proactive step to address shareholder expectations and maximize long-term value. The company’s commitment to innovation, combined with a focused approach to strategic integration, positions James Hardie for continued success in the global building materials market.