CANTON, Mass. — Sika Corporation announced a number of new personnel changes within their roofing business management in Q1 of 2022.

At the end of 2021, Brian Whelan retired as executive vice president after serving just over 40 years in a variety of roles at Sika Sarnafil. Whelan leaves a long resume of major accomplishments within the roofing industry as well as being a highly respected figure across the entire roofing community. 

Whelan is being succeeded by Sebastien Godard, an experienced manager within Sika who most recently served as the general manager of all Sika businesses for the country of Sweden. Prior to that, Godard served in a variety of roles around the globe for Sika including time in Vietnam and a previous position in the U.S. with Sika’s refurbishment, sealing & bonding division. 

“I worked side by side with Brian for most of 2021 to learn from his many years of experience and expertise, and I am honored to fill the big shoes he established in our roofing business and the industry at large,” said Godard. 

Whelan will also be staying on in a part-time capacity doing some independent consulting for the Sika roofing business.  

Stan Graveline, formerly Sika Sarnafil’s senior vice president of technical services and sustainability, has taken over the leadership of American Hydrotech, Inc., Sika’s most recent acquisition in the roofing space. Hydrotech has been a recognized leader in the waterproofing and roofing segments for more than 50 years. Graveline comes to his new role with over 35 years of experience in various technical, sales, and management capacities in Canada, Switzerland, and the U.S. 

In addition to Graveline's new role, Sika announced the promotion of Michael Darsch to vice president of technical services for the roofing business. Darsch joined Sika in 2012 and has served in a variety of product management and technical roles, most recently serving at the director of technical services - East area for Sika Sarnafil. 

“We have long been preparing Michael to take over this kind of role for Sika’s roofing business and look forward to the continuity he will help bring to Sika Sarnafil’s position as technical support leaders within the single-ply industry,” said Graveline. 

With Darsch's promotion, John McGill is stepping into Darsch’s previous position as director of technical services – East area. McGill comes to his new role with many years of experience including a number of years on the roofing contractor side of the industry and most recently as Sika’s regional technical manager for roofing in the Midwest region.