Universal Woods, LLC, Louisville, Ky., recently announced Bob Rowan as its new president and CEO.
Rowan succeeds Paul Neumann, who served as president and CEO of Universal Woods for more than 25 years. Neumann announced his retirement in July of 2020 and will remain on the board of directors for Universal Woods.
“I am profoundly grateful for the work of everyone at Universal Woods and our outstanding suppliers over the past 25 years as we have worked with our customers to create a new industry and support tens of thousands of successful businesses around the world,” says Neumann. “One of the joys of my life is the relationships I have built with our customers, suppliers, and our teammates at Universal Woods. I can’t think of anyone I would rather entrust those relationships to than Bob Rowan.”
Rowan began his career in sales with The Black and Decker Corporation, then moved to Vermont American Corporation, a tool manufacturer formerly located in Louisville, where he held a variety sales and marketing roles over a ten-year period. In 2008, he was named president of North America for Jacuzzi Brands Corporation and in 2013 became president and CEO.
“I feel lucky to have the opportunity at this point of my career to be joining a great company like Universal Woods,” says Rowan. “Paul Neumann built a great foundation with outstanding, dedicated employees who are passionate about serving our customers. I’m excited to be working closely with this team as we strive to continuously improve the value we bring as a supplier.” — D.S.
