Dal-Tile Corporation announces integration of the Marazzi Group's U.S. Business

DALLAS, TX-- Dal-Tile Corporation, a manufacturer and marketer of ceramic tile and natural stone products in North America, has announced it has completed the integration of the U.S. business of The Marazzi Group, which was acquired by Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE: MHK), Dal-Tile’s parent company, earlier this year.

The combination brings together the four leading brands in the tile industry -- Daltile, American Olean, Marazzi and Ragno; Dal-Tile remains committed to providing its extensive product collections within each brand to tile and stone customers, through its three primary distribution channels across North America -- company-owned stores, independent distributors and home centers.

To support its approach of maintaining unique brand, product and distribution strategies, the company has implemented a new leadership and organizational structure.

Gianni Mattioli, previously President and CEO of The Marazzi Group’s U.S. business, will lead all of Dal-Tile’s Marketing and Research & Development (R&D) functions. As Executive Vice President of Marketing and R&D, Mattioli will have responsibility for Dal-Tile’s product strategy, brand marketing and product marketing.

"In Gianni, we have added an exceptional leader whose 30 years of industry experience and business acumen enabled Marazzi’s U.S. business to flourish," said John Turner, Jr., President, Dal-Tile. "We are excited to have Gianni continue to execute his proven track record of delivering product innovation and customer service excellence across our industry-leading brands of Daltile, American Olean, Marazzi and Ragno."

With the growth of the company’s Brand Marketing function, Lori Kirk-Rolley has been promoted to vice president of Brand Marketing. In addition to her support of the Daltile and American Olean brands, Kirk-Rolley will also manage the Marazzi and Ragno brands.

Jim Fanning will now lead the company’s Home Center and Distributor Sales segments. Within his new role as Senior Vice President of Home Center and Distributor Sales, Fanning will utilize his extensive experience in strategy, marketing, channel distribution and sales to lead these important areas of the company’s business.

"Reaching customers who purchase tile through independent distributors and home centers is core to our success, and Jim’s leadership will be integral in expanding our business within these two channels as our industry recovers," Turner said. "I’m confident in Jim’s ability and his focus on our commitment to being the very best through these channels."

Within Fanning’s Home Center and Distributor Sales organization, Hector Narvaez has been named Vice President of Sales for Marazzi- and Ragno-brand Distributors; he will also support Marazzi-brand sales to key home center customers.

Jon Shedlosky, Vice President of American Olean Distributors, will continue to have responsibility for sales of American Olean-branded products to independent distributors. Sandra Reilly, Vice President of Home Center Sales, will continue tobe responsible for sales of all brands within the home center channel. Shedlosky and Reilly also report to Fanning.

Dal-Tile’s Store Operations, including its comprehensive network of company-owned Daltile, American Olean and Marazzi Sales Service Centers (SSCs), will be led by John Cousins, Senior Vice President of SSCs.