Masonite Names Robert Ritchie New CTO
TAMPA - Masonite Inc. has announced the appointment of Robert Ritchie, PhD as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, effective April 12, 2010. In this role, Richie will assume responsibility for Masonite's global research, development and product engineering functions.
Ritchie brings 30 years of technology, research and development leadership experience to Masonite, including 25 years of domestic and international experience with DuPont in a progression of research, technology, material science and business development roles. Ritchie specifically managed departments and platforms focused on materials science, polymer science, analytical, and engineering operations. Most recently, he served as Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Research & Development at Johns Manville Corporation, where he managed the development and execution of the company's global technology strategy. While at Johns Manville, he implemented sweeping changes within the research and development organization, implemented a six sigma analysis for broad application in product development, and implemented new technology processes that instilled improved discipline and control.
Ritchie earned his PhD in Chemistry from Pennsylvania State University and his BS in Chemistry from King's College in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Henry Coghlan, currently leading the R&D and Engineering functions at Masonite, will transition into a new role as Vice President Special Projects reporting to the CEO in which he will have responsibility for several key growth programs and initiatives across the company.
"Bob Ritchie is a seasoned technology executive with deep commercial experience including business P&L responsibility which makes him the right leader for Masonite's R&D and engineering teams," said Fred Lynch, president and chief executive officer of Masonite. "Bob's extensive knowledge of material science and strong leadership skills, combined with his passion for product development, will further accelerate our focus on growth and new product innovation"
