Smith succeeds General Shale CEO Green

Source: General Shale, Johnson City, Tenn.

A 22-year company veteran, most recently serving as president and chief operating officer, Charles Smith has officially assumed the chief executive officer post upon the April 1 retirement of Richard Green, who has led the masonry giant for 20 years.

“Charles has helped steer General Shale’s operations through a major economic downturn, and he played an instrumental role in revitalizing the company’s product development,” says Heimo Scheuch, CEO of Wienerberger AG, the brick and block producer’s Austrian parent. “This has resulted in an expanded product line [and] increased consumer demand in new and existing markets. Charles’ experience with General Shale’s strategic model will help position the company to continue its successful course of growth.”

Early in his General Shale career, Smith’s leadership roles included several plant management positions. As regional production manager, he was responsible for five brick plants, and played a key role in expansion and major capital projects. During a vice president of engineering and research tenure, he was responsible for ensuring operational excellence at all plant locations, while guiding research and development efforts for new product opportunities. In 2007, he was named executive vice president of operations, providing oversight for research and engineering divisions throughout the U.S., plus masonry plants from coast to coast.

“Under [Dick Green’s exceptional] leadership, General Shale made it a priority to be responsive to consumer trends and preferences within the industry, while remaining committed to the ideals of quality, service and stewardship that are the foundation of the company,” affirms Smith. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this great company on its continued path of persistent, sustainable growth, and look forward to working with our outstanding executive team and entire General Shale family to bring the highest-quality, innovative products to our customers.”