Heidi PetzPhoto: Courtesy Sherwin-Williams
(Cleveland) - One of Cleveland's largest companies will welcome a new CEO in 2024. Sherwin-Williams announced in a press release Wednesday Heidi Petz will become the company's tenth CEO in its 157-year history when she takes on the position January 1st.
48-year-old Petz is coming in with plenty of work experience in leadership roles. At Sherwin-Williams she has held the role of President and Chief Operating Officer and will continue to be the company's president going forward. Petz also previously served as the president of the Americas Group and the president of the Consumer Brands Group at Sherwin-Williams. Petz worked in leadership positions at several other companies before entering the paint business in 2013 at Valspar, which was acquired by Sherwin-Williams in 2017. Before her work at Valspar, she held roles for the Target Corporation, Newell Rubbermaid and PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
Petz will replace John Morikis as the Sherwin-Williams CEO. Morikis had high praise for Petz following the announcement.
“Heidi has been an invaluable member of my leadership team, demonstrating a record of driving growth and operational excellence that has generated increased value for our customers, shareholders and employees," Morikis said.
Morikis took the role in 2016 and although he will no longer be the CEO, he will continue his duties as the executive chairman going forward. Sherwin-Williams Lead Director Jeff Fettig expressed gratitude towards Morikis for what he's done for the company.
"On behalf of the entire Board, we thank John for his extraordinary leadership, commitment and dedication to Sherwin-Williams, as well as his many accomplishments and business decisions that drove the Company’s strong performance and unprecedented growth during his tenure as CEO.” Fettig said.
Fettig also emphasized his support for Morikis remaining as the executive chairman and noted the value his 39 years of experience at the company brings.
The change in the CEO position continues a wave of new developments for Sherwin-Williams. The company is currently constructing a new headquarter building in downtown Cleveland as well as a new research and development center in Brecksville.
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