Fortune Brands Announces Planned Retirement of Christopher Klein from Board of Directors
Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc., parent company of Therma-Tru Doors, announced the planned retirement of Christopher Klein, executive chairman, from the company’s board of directors effective at the close of business on Dec. 31, 2020. Klein’s departure from the board is part of the company’s multi-year transition plan to ensure continued strong leadership and consistency in executing the company’s business strategies and priorities.
“This year, the business has reacted and performed exceedingly well amidst a global health pandemic and economic uncertainty. Our strong financial results speak to the quality of our teams and strategic plans, and our operational excellence. Fortune Brands’ demonstrated ability to outperform in any environment gives me and our board the confidence to enable me to step down as chairman of the board in accordance with the multi-step leadership transition plan we initiated several years ago,” says Klein.
Klein was the Company’s first CEO. He joined the former parent company, Fortune Brands Inc. in April of 2003 as senior vice president, strategy and corporate development. He later became president and COO of the home division of FO (FBHS) in 2009, and CEO in 2010.
Klein took Fortune Brands Home & Security public in 2011 upon its spin-off from Fortune Brands. As CEO, Klein guided the company through the recovery from the 2008 housing downturn, built a strong and seasoned management team, and established platforms for future growth across plumbing, doors, decking, security and cabinets.
On Jan. 6, 2020, Klein retired as CEO and transitioned to his current role of executive chairman of Fortune Brands’ board of directors. He has continued to provide leadership to the board of directors and work closely with Nicholas Fink, his successor as CEO, to ensure a seamless transition. As the final step in the company’s management transition, a new non-executive chairperson will be appointed by the board by the end of 2020, and Fink will continue to lead the business.
