FEI Group has announced management changes in the company following the unexpected passing of President and CEO Dave Gheesling.

Gheesling, a co-founder of FEI Group, died the age of 53 on Nov. 11. In a release, the company's board stated that Andy Hogan, co-founder of REI Group, will take over as CEO. The board also announced that Graham Howerton will take on the role of president at FEI Group, having previously served as executive vice president.

"Gheesling, who held the title of president and CEO, did a tremendous job building a team of talented professionals who will continue to run FEI Group successfully into the future," the company said in a written statement.

REI Group formed in 1998 as FloorExpo. FEI manages national networks of the largest contractors in America for single-family flooring in the home builder space, multi-family flooring in the apartment space, cabinets and decorative plumbing and hardware. FEI Group entered the roofing industry in 2020 by forming the Exterior Contractor Alliance, consisting of 27 members in 33 states.

Below is the full statement from FEI Group:

Following the recent and unexpected passing of Dave Gheesling, the company’s founder, the FEI Group Board of Directors met to solidify management changes within the organization.

Gheesling, who held the title of President and CEO, did a tremendous job building a team of talented professionals who will continue to run FEI Group successfully into the future.

Accordingly, the Board of Directors announced that Andy Hogan has been appointed to the role of CEO of FEI. As co-founder of FEI, Andy is a trusted and well-respected member of the floor covering industry and has been with the organization since its inception. He is intimately involved in the full scope of business operations. The strong relationships he has formed with FEI members, vendors and the internal FEI team provide both a solid foundation and the continuity in leadership to continue the forward momentum in the business. 

Additionally, the Board announced that Graham Howerton has been appointed to the role of President. Graham has served the organization in varying capacities throughout his 16-year tenure, most recently as Executive Vice President. Graham’s knowledge of the industry, FEI’s business and day-to-day operations, as well as the relationships he has forged within the industry over the years, will continue to benefit the company as he takes on a larger role as President. 

The FEI team remains strong, with Randy McNatt (CFO), Brian Penabad (Vice President of FEI Group & President of KBx & K&B Alliance), Allison Rea (Vice President of Marketing) and the newest business leader, Mark Erdman (SVP of Exterior Contractor Alliance) in place. Eddie Schukar (VP of KBx and K&B Alliance) and Earl Ward (VP of Exterior Contractor Alliance) are very valuable members of the team, while Tonya Land (Executive Assistant) and Jeanine Ortega (Assistant to the CFO) remain at the heart of the organization.  

FEI Group looks forward to announcing the addition of new, energetic members to the team in the near future.