Standard Industries, a privately-held global industrial company with over 20,000 employees across approximately 50 countries, and GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, today announced the appointment of John Barkhouse as Chief Executive Officer of GAF, effective January 1, 2026. Current CEO John Altmeyer will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of GAF at that time.
Since joining GAF as President last year, Barkhouse has led Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and R&D for GAF’s Residential and Commercial divisions, driving meaningful operational change across the business. Previously, he spent more than 25 years in manufacturing and operational leadership roles in the industrial, energy and services sectors.
“John Barkhouse is a world-class operator with a hands-on approach, a strong understanding of the business and a proven track record of driving operational excellence,” said David Winter and David Millstone, co-CEOs of Standard Industries. “His focus on continuous improvement, standardization, safety and culture has already had a tremendous impact on the business, and we are excited for him to lead the company in its next chapter.”
Millstone and Winter added, “We are tremendously grateful to John Altmeyer for his extraordinary leadership and vision. He has transformed GAF by growing the commercial business into an industry leader and optimizing the residential business, all while building upon GAF’s best-in-class service, product innovation and focus on customer relationships. John Altmeyer and John Barkhouse have been working in close collaboration in advance of the transition, and we are confident the change will be steady and seamless.”
Image Courtesy of: Standard Industries, GAF
Altmeyer joined GAF in 2021 as Executive Chairman of the Commercial Business and was appointed CEO of GAF in 2023. During his tenure, GAF experienced strong growth and made important investments in new Commercial plants in Valdosta, Georgia, and Peru, Illinois as well as a new Residential plant in Newton, Kansas. He also oversaw the integration of GAF and GAF Energy, GAF’s solar roofing business unit.
“John Barkhouse is a collaborative, strategic leader who has gotten to know our business and our people, and I couldn’t be more confident that he is the right person to serve as the next CEO of GAF,” said Altmeyer. “It has been the honor of my career to lead this company, and I look forward to continuing to support John and the team in all that’s to come.”
“I’m thrilled to take on this role and grateful to David Winter, David Millstone, John Altmeyer and the entire GAF team for their partnership and support,” said Barkhouse. “We have a powerful platform and extraordinary talent, and I’m excited to continue building on our leadership position in the industry.”
About Standard Industries
Standard Industries is a privately-held global industrial company with businesses spanning building solutions and specialty chemicals and annual revenues of approximately $11 billion. Across its platform, Standard has over 20,000 employees in approximately 50 countries. Standard Building Solutions includes GAF, the largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America, and BMI, the largest manufacturer of both flat and pitched roofing in Europe, as well as Schiedel, SGI, and Standard Logistics. Standard Performance Materials includes W. R. Grace & Co., the leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials, and fine chemicals. Through its investment platform, Standard Investments, and real estate arm, Winter Properties, Standard also manages a broad portfolio that spans public equities, ventures, and real estate with a focus on companies and assets that operate at the intersection of industry and technology. Learn more at www.standardindustries.com.
About GAF
GAF, a Standard Industries company, is the leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America. For more than 135 years, GAF has been trusted to protect what matters most for families, business owners and roofing professionals with its innovative solutions and focus on exceptional service. GAF’s leadership extends to its commitment to strengthen its communities and industry through investments in career development, sustainable products, and local community resilience. Learn more at www.GAF.com.
Feature Image Courtesy of: Standard Industries, GAF
