Laura Watterson Takes the Helm as Chief Human Resources Officer at Andersen Corporation
Andersen Corporation, a leader in the manufacturing of windows and doors in the U.S., has announced an important leadership appointment that promises to shape the future of its human resources strategy.
Laura Watterson will assume the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, taking over from
Karen Richard, who is set to retire after a commendable twelve-year tenure.
A New Chapter in Leadership
Watterson brings to Andersen an impressive track record with over
20 years of experience in human resources management, particularly within complex global enterprises. Most recently, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at
CWT, a renowned travel management company, where she was instrumental in the acquisition by American Express Global Business Travel. Her previous roles at industry giants like
General Mills,
Royal Philips Electronics, and
Aimia further attest to her capability in aligning human resource strategies with overarching business goals.
Chris Galvin, Chairman and CEO of Andersen Corporation, expressed his enthusiasm about Watterson’s appointment, emphasizing her strategic prowess and commitment to nurturing high-performing teams. He stated, "Laura is a highly strategic and growth-oriented leader who is passionate about people and committed to developing high-performing teams. We are thrilled for Laura to join our team...as we grow our business into the future."
The Legacy of Karen Richard
As Watterson steps into this vital role, it’s essential to acknowledge the contributions of her predecessor, Karen Richard. Under her guidance, Andersen's human resources department evolved, supported by a commitment to fostering community and employee engagement. Galvin spoke highly of Richard’s dedication, highlighting how her balanced approach to people-centric solutions has significantly driven the company’s success.
"Karen’s dedication to our people, our business, and our communities has enabled us to reach new heights," he remarked, wishing her well in retirement.
Watterson's Vision
As the incoming Chief Human Resources Officer, Watterson will oversee several critical domains within the organization. This includes business HR, talent and culture enablement, and enterprise security, among others. Her strategic insight is anticipated to enhance Andersen's commitment to maintaining an inclusive workplace where each employee can thrive and contribute towards the company’s vision of growth.
In a statement reflecting her vision, Watterson shared her excitement for the opportunity to formulate a positive impact on Andersen's workplace culture. She will prioritize strategies that bolster employee engagement and foster a diverse and equitable workforce.
Andersen Corporation: A Legacy of Trust
Founded in
1903, Andersen Corporation has built an unparalleled legacy in the North American market, known for its high-quality and design-forward windows and doors. The company continues to prioritize sustainability and innovation, recently earning the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award for sustained excellence, reinforcing its commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen.
With over
13,000 employees, Andersen is proud of its position as the largest window and door manufacturer in North America, continuously striving to deliver exceptional value to builders, contractors, architects, and homeowners. As Laura Watterson begins her journey at Andersen, all eyes will be on her to see how her leadership will shape the company's future and enhance its commitment to its most vital asset: its people.
For more about Andersen Corporation and its innovative offerings, visit
andersenwindows.com or follow them on LinkedIn.