Fortune Brands Innovations has appointed Jesse Singh as its next chief executive officer, effective June 29, 2026. Singh brings more than three decades of leadership experience across building products, consumer, technology, and manufacturing sectors. Most recently, he served as CEO of outdoor living products maker The AZEK Company from 2016 to 2025, where he delivered profitable growth and meaningful EBITDA margin expansion, resulting in significant increase in shareholder value. As per Business Wire, Singh's tenure at AZEK focused on operational excellence, margin expansion, innovation, and culture transformation. Singh also brings 14 years of experience at 3M in senior roles and currently serves as a board member of James Hardie Industries plc and Carlisle Companies.
The CEO appointment comes amid significant pressure from activist investor Ed Garden, who had built a stake in Fortune Brands and was seeking to replace the incoming CEO, among other changes. Garden, the founding partner and CEO of Garden Investments, joined the company's board in March as part of his efforts to influence corporate governance and leadership decisions. The Board of Directors unanimously appointed Singh to both CEO and Board positions, demonstrating confidence in his leadership capabilities amid the activist pressure.
As part of the leadership changes, David Barry, who has been serving as Interim CEO since March 16, has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Barry will work closely with Singh in day-to-day leadership of the organization, maintaining continuity while allowing fresh leadership under Singh's guidance. The company filed an 8-K form with the SEC on June 29, 2026, officially documenting these leadership transitions. Barry also joins the Board as a Class I member in connection with Singh's CEO appointment, further strengthening the leadership team.
Fortune Brands has initiated a strategic review of the Fiberon business, with Kilsby directly overseeing operations going forward. As part of Singh's appointment, the company has agreed to grant inducement awards totaling 1,150,000 shares in the form of performance-based restricted stock units and service-based stock options. The Performance Award covers 850,000 shares with vesting scheduled over two years, while the Option Award covers 300,000 shares vesting in three equal installments. Singh stated he sees a compelling opportunity to build on the Company's foundation and deliver durable value for customers, partners and shareholders.
Fortune Brands operates as an industry-leading home, security and digital products company whose purpose is to elevate every life by transforming spaces into havens. The company makes innovative products for residential and commercial environments, with a growing focus on digital solutions and products that add luxury, contribute to safety and enhance sustainability. Its trusted brands include Moen, House of Rohl, Aqualisa, SpringWell, Therma-Tru, Larson, Fiberon, Master Lock, Sentry Safe and Yale residential. Singh emphasized the company's iconic brands, solid customer relationships and talented teams across its businesses, positioning it as a significant player in the consumer goods sector.
