Strong leadership transitions are key to sustaining growth and innovation in the manufacturing sector. John Barkhouse’s appointment as CEO of GAF, effective January 1, 2026, as announced by Standard Industries and GAF, reflects his proven operational expertise and strategic vision. Having led Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and R&D since joining GAF, Barkhouse is well-positioned to build on the company’s recent successes under John Altmeyer’s leadership. His collaborative approach and focus on continuous improvement will help GAF maintain its industry leadership and drive long-term growth in roofing and waterproofing solutions.
Home Improvement
| GAF Names John Barkhouse as New CEO
GAF Names John Barkhouse as New CEO
Published June 03, 2025, 9:50 AM EST
Standard Industries and GAF have appointed John Barkhouse as Chief Executive Officer of GAF, effective January 1, 2026, with current CEO John Altmeyer transitioning to Executive Chairman. Since joining GAF in 2024 as President leading Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and R&D, Barkhouse has driven measurable operational excellence across both residential and commercial segments. With over 25 years of leadership experience in manufacturing and industrial sectors, he is widely regarded as a hands‑on operator focused on continuous improvement, standardization, safety and culture. Altmeyer’s tenure included major capital investments and integration of GAF Energy’s solar roofing unit, setting the stage for Barkhouse to build on the company’s innovation and market leadership.
June 03, 2025 – PARSIPPANY, N.J.
HG Homeclub, the definitive touchpoint for visionary home‑improvement leadership and supply‑chain excellence, today spotlights a pivotal leadership transition at GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer and a cornerstone of Standard Industries. In a move signaling continuity and operational clarity, John Barkhouse will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of GAF, effective January 1, 2026, succeeding John Altmeyer, who transitions to Executive Chairman
Inside the Leadership Transition
John Barkhouse, who joined GAF in late 2024 as President overseeing Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and R&D, has led measurable transformation in both Residential and Commercial divisions. His leadership has emphasized safety, standardization, and efficiency—hallmarks of operational discipline familiar to Homeclub audiences GAFGAFretrofit.
Standard Industries co‑CEOs David Winter and David Millstone characterized Barkhouse as “a world‑class operator with a hands‑on approach” whose emphasis on continuous improvement and culture has already delivered significant momentum across GAF operations. They emphasized confidence in a seamless transition with Altmeyer and Barkhouse working in close collaboration
John Altmeyer, chair since 2021 and CEO since 2023, led major expansions including new manufacturing facilities in Valdosta, GA; Newton, KS; and Peru, IL, alongside integration of GAF Energy’s solar roofing platform. His tenure reshaped GAF’s strategy and reinforced its product‑service innovation trajectory
HG Homeclub Perspective
At HG Homeclub, we see this leadership pivot as emblematic of the very operational discipline and customer‑first ethos our readers trust:
Operational excellence meets scale: Barkhouse’s career—including executive roles at CabinetWorks, Clarios, and Brookfield—reflects the kind of systems-based manufacturing leadership that empowers rapid yet reliable growth in home sectors.
Strategic continuity: Passing the baton from Altmeyer to Barkhouse underscores a culture of succession planning and deep institutional knowledge—key for contractors and executives focused on long‑term stability.
Innovation anchored in infrastructure: With R&D and supply‑chain optimization under Barkhouse’s belt, GAF is poised to reinforce its market leadership through improved logistics, sustainability, and product evolution.
What This Means for the Home Improvement Ecosystem
Contractors and Distributors: Can anticipate steadier supply chains, improved lead times, and deeper collaboration as Barkhouse brings consistent execution standards into process-driven manufacturing.
Product Innovation: Expect greater alignment between manufacturing capabilities and R&D, accelerating high‑performance roofing solutions including solar integration and sustainable products.
Community & Culture Investment: Under new leadership, GAF’s existing commitments to employee development, safety, and resilient community impact initiatives—hallmarks of their “Community Matters” legacy—are likely to gain momentum.
Leadership Quotes
David Winter & David Millstone, Standard Industries Co‑CEOs:
“John Barkhouse is a world‑class operator… focus on continuous improvement, standardization, safety and culture has had a tremendous impact… excited for him to lead the company into its next chapter.” hghomeclub.com+2LinkedIn+2Roofing Contractor+1hghomeclub.com+10GAF+10National Roofing Contractors Association+10John Altmeyer, outgoing CEO:
“John Barkhouse is collaborative, strategic… I’m confident he is the right person… It has been the honor of my career to lead this company.” hghomeclub.com+9GAF+9Roofing Contractor+9John Barkhouse, incoming CEO:
“We have a powerful platform and extraordinary talent… I’m excited to continue building on our leadership position in the industry.” PR Newswire+3GAF+3retrofit+3
Outlook
With Barkhouse stepping into the CEO role on January 1, 2026, GAF enters its next chapter with operational rigor, innovation continuity, and leadership stability. From new manufacturing lines to solar‑integrated roofing solutions, the strategic path aligns strongly with what HG Homeclub consistently highlights: scalable, process-driven excellence for the home improvement ecosystem.
Continuing to monitor and report on leadership shifts shaping supplier strategy, innovation, and contractor impact: that’s our promise.