CLEVELAND, OH -- Rockheads Group (RHG) has announced that industry veteran Rich Katzmann is joining the organization as its executive director. Katzmann will utilize his business and industry experience that spans more than 30 years to lead RHG into a rapid-growth phase as the group continues to leverage its combined buying power of more than $1 billion, best-in-class fabricator members and the industry’s most comprehensive benchmarking process. The growth and success of the group has allowed it to beef up its executive team and hire Katzmann as a fully dedicated employee. His previous accomplishments, plus his vision for the group, are consistent with what the members and vendors deserve, and RHG owners require. Katzmann, previously president of Laser Products and Founder/CEO of Stone Services Group, will immediately focus on reaching out to all members and vendors to gather strategic information. “I’ve known Rich for more than five years, and he is the perfect executive to lead the Rockheads into the next phase of our strategic plan by aggressively adding new members to leverage our buying power, while simultaneously directing more revenue to our supplier partners,” said Jon Kaplan, owner and director of Rockheads Group. “Rich will also continue to add to our member programs, such as our industry’s most comprehensive benchmarking studies and best practice sharing. His experience delivering high-quality on-time services is unmatched.”

“Jumping on this opportunity was a no-brainer for me after speaking with the owners and many members of the group,” said Katzmann. “My experience working with the Rockheads, fabricators, vendors and industry associations will be easily leveraged to service this elite group of companies. I have a deep understanding of the advantages that the Rockheads offers its members, and I have innovative ideas for enhancements to the group.”

BETHANY, CT -- Laticrete, a leading manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry, has elected Jerry Perkins as the newest member to their Board of Directors. Formerly the president of worldwide provider and leading manufacturer Henkel North and South America, Perkins also led Henkel’s Global General Industry Adhesive business unit. As a 65-year-old third-generation family owned business, Laticrete is unique in having an independent fiduciary board.

“Jerry comes to Laticrete with a wealth of strategic experience growing premium value, branded product businesses and accelerating operational efficiency in global scale businesses using differentiated channels of distribution and digital platforms,” said David A. Rothberg, Laticrete chairman. “With his successful track record of leading the acquisition and integration of businesses throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, I am confident that we will greatly benefit from his expertise as we continue to drive Laticrete forward.”  

As a valued member of the board, Perkins’ extensive knowledge of serving across many industries will be used to improve the lives and professional experiences of Laticrete customers and employees. Prior to joining Henkel’s leadership team, Perkins was a senior marketing executive for Loctite Corporation, based in Hartford, CT. Perkins holds a master’s degree in business from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor’s degree in finance, Summa Cum Laude from Central Connecticut State University.

Perkins resides with his wife Barbara in Princeton, NJ, and is an avid outdoor enthusiast, spending his free time skiing, cycling and hiking.

Jerry Perkins
Image courtesy of  Laticrete