Erik Christensen has joined laminate manufacturer Swiss Krono Group as CEO and will run the company’s U.S. operations in Barnwell, S.C. Christensen comes to Swiss Krono from Hansgrohe, a German manufacturer of premium decorative plumbing, where he served as president for the North American business for the last three and a half years. He brings to Swiss Krono more than 28 years of building products experience, including leadership roles at flooring companies such as Armstrong World Industries and Shaw. Christensen succeeds Zeb Portanova, who will remain with Swiss Krono through November to advise the company and to assure a smooth transition.

“Erik’s strong performance in the building products market segment, specifically his previous work within the U.S. flooring industry, makes him the ideal leader for our U.S. operations,” said Martin Brettenthaler, CEO and chairman of Swiss Krono Group. “We look forward to working with Erik as Swiss Krono continues to grow its presence in the U.S. and as our Barnwell plant becomes home to our new HDF line, which starts up at the end of 2018.”

Christensen will lead the Swiss Krono USA management team comprised of R. Dichiara (finance), W. Graf Grote (manufacturing), T. Bass (sales and marketing), C. Billue (supply chain) and N. Grant (human resources).

For more information, visit swisskronousa.com.