Floor covering veteran William D. (Bill) Blackstock, Jr., was recently selected as the new president and CEO of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), effective January 1, 2022.

Blackstock is now working with current President and CEO Dean Thompson for orientation to his new role and responsibilities. Thompson, who recently announced his retirement plans to the RFCI Board, will stay on as President Emeritus, January through June 2022, to provide consultation and guidance through the transition. In his role at RFCI, Thompson led the resilient flooring industry through a period of unprecedented growth over the past 15 years.

“Knowing that I would be retiring in 2020, I began the recruiting process for my replacement over 18 months ago, and I am delighted that the RFCI Selection Committee agreed with my recommendation to bring Mr. Blackstock on board to head-up this important trade organization,” commented Thompson. “He brings an impressive record of accomplishment and will help RFCI and the resilient flooring industry build on its very impressive, long-term growth record.”

Prior to his new role, Blackstock was the vice president of commercial business, segment and sales development at Engineered Floors where he oversaw corporate strategies driving revenue and profitability in the global commercial sector, serving the J+J Flooring and EF Contract brands.  Before that, Blackstock was the corporate vice president of sales at the J+J Flooring Group. Prior to his arrival at J+J, he held multiple leadership roles in the contract and hospitality sectors at Milliken & Company. 

“No doubt about it, I have big shoes to fill,” reflected Blackstock. “Dean has led RFCI and our membership with exciting strategic ideas and vision. We will continue to build on that legacy by representing our flooring category to be the best in the business. I’m looking forward to working with Dean and others to accomplish just that.” 

Blackstock graduated with honors from Georgia Tech, earning a degree electrical engineering.  He and his family reside in Metro Atlanta.

For more information, visit rfci.com.