John Barkhouse Set to Lead GAF as New Chief Executive Officer Starting January 2026

John Barkhouse Takes Helm as CEO of GAF

In a significant leadership transition, John Barkhouse has been named the next Chief Executive Officer of GAF, effective January 1, 2026. This announcement was made in conjunction with Standard Industries, under which GAF operates as North America’s largest manufacturer of roofing solutions. With a rich history spanning over 135 years, GAF is renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional service in the roofing industry.

Barkhouse, who previously served as the President of GAF starting last year, has spearheaded critical initiatives across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Research & Development for both GAF's Residential and Commercial divisions. His tenure at GAF has been marked by a focused drive for operational improvements, which has laid the groundwork for this promotion to CEO. Before joining GAF, Barkhouse amassed over 25 years of experience in leadership roles spanning manufacturing and operations across various sectors, including industrial and energy services.

Current CEO John Altmeyer, who has been at the forefront of GAF's evolution, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman once Barkhouse steps into his new role. Altmeyer’s leadership has led GAF through substantial growth trajectories, particularly in the commercial sector, strengthening its position as a formidable leader in the industry. During his time at the helm, GAF has made noteworthy investments in new commercial production facilities located in Valdosta, Georgia, and Peru, Illinois, as well as a new residential plant in Newton, Kansas. Furthermore, Altmeyer has overseen the seamless integration of GAF with GAF Energy, a solar roofing division designed to combine traditional roofing technologies with sustainable energy solutions.

Co-CEOs of Standard Industries, David Winter and David Millstone, expressed their confidence in Barkhouse’s upcoming leadership, highlighting his exceptional operational acumen and hands-on management style. They noted that his emphasis on continuous improvement and operational excellence has significantly enriched GAF’s processes and culture. “John Barkhouse is a world-class operator with a hands-on approach, a strong understanding of the business, and a proven track record of driving operational excellence,” they stated in their public announcement.

Reflecting on the upcoming transition, Altmeyer praised Barkhouse as a collaborative and strategic leader who understands the nuances of the GAF business and its people. “It has been the honor of my career to lead this company, and I look forward to continuing to support John and the team in all that's to come,” he remarked, indicating his ongoing commitment to GAF's vision even in a different capacity.

As Barkhouse prepares to take on his new responsibilities, he expresses excitement, stating, “I’m thrilled to take on this role and grateful to David Winter, David Millstone, John Altmeyer, and the entire GAF team for their partnership and support.” His ambition is to leverage GAF's strong foundation while focusing on innovation and community engagement to further solidify the company’s leadership position within the industry.

Standard Industries, the parent company of GAF, is a privately-held industrial powerhouse, employing over 20,000 individuals across nearly 50 nations, with annual revenues approaching $11 billion. The organization encompasses various building solutions and specialty chemicals, affirming its status as a significant player in the global market. As GAF embarks on this new chapter under Barkhouse’s leadership, the company is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation in the roofing sector and beyond.

GAF’s mission remains to protect what matters most for families, business owners, and roofing professionals through innovative solutions and exceptional service. The future seems promising with the strategic transitions taking place at the leadership level, as Barkhouse looks forward to leading GAF into its next era of success.