Getting to know Board Member Ken Williams. By Steven Campeau

 

 

The Board of Directors leads the Association in carrying out its strategic plan and focuses on matters of the Association policy at a high level. This important national volunteer role is composed of nine individuals who serve four-year terms. The 2022 national election cycle, happening September 1 through September 30, will include two open positions for the Board of Directors. If interested in applying for one of these open positions, go here starting September 1. Today we are featuring Ken Williams, the President and CEO, The Americas for Caesarstone.

How did you get your start in the kitchen and bath industry and/or NKBA?

Early in my career, I was fortunate to have one of the greatest men and leaders I have ever met invest in and mentor me. Errol Hanbidge owned a retail distribution company that taught me the fundamentals of business, the importance of relationships, and the necessity to do what you say and say what you do. Benefiting from this investment caused me to be approached by Masterbrands, Masco, and Caesarstone where I was fortunate enough to serve and lead in different business units over my career.   

What is your favorite part of being an NKBA member and/or national volunteer?

We are fortunate to be part of an amazing industry and the NKBA organization. It is one that has provided well for my family and myself over the years. Being an NKBA Board Member is a high honor which allows me to give back to the design community and the opportunity to meet individuals from all aspects of our industry. This provides me the ability to invest in members in the industry as they embark on their amazing careers. This also enables me to help shape the future of our industry through the impressive NKBA organization and support Bill Darcy in his vision as CEO.

What inspires you about the kitchen and bath industry and/or in your life?

In both our Industry and my life, the answer is one word “People”. Whether my family, friends, or in business, I have always received great inspiration from the people I have been fortunate enough to meet and interact with. When we reach the end of our careers, while we may remember the numbers and accomplishments we achieved, there is no doubt we will cherish the rich relationships we made, nurtured, and invested in over the years. We can leave no better legacy.  

Where is your favorite vacation spot and does that influence your home decor? 

Europe, and especially Italy, is our family’s favourite vacation destination. This has been a major influence on the inside and outside décor of our home. While the main style that has influenced us from our vacation destinations is traditional Italian, we have also mixed a transitional flair into our home which flows from the inside out and outside in. It is designed for comfort and peace which we love to share with our family and friends.

What are you most looking forward to this year, personally or professionally? (or both!)

Every year presents different challenges and opportunities both personally and professionally. The last few years have been unprecedented in our lives and careers. As long as we are employed or own organizations in our industry, we should view it as a paid education as we continually are learning from the situations, challenges and opportunities that are before us. This year is no exception as we face the challenges of inflation, extended lead times and labour shortages to name a few. I look forward to the new insights and learnings myself and Our Team will learn and grow from in the year ahead. There is no doubt working through these situations will create opportunities for our organizations and ourselves as individuals and that is what excites me, and I look forward to!

About Ken Williams 

Williams, who joined Caesarstone in 2016, specializes in building strong teams with core values of high performance, people, innovation, customer focus and credibility. Previously, he held various senior executive level positions, including executive vice president of sales and marketing in a number of Masco Corporation divisions and general management roles at Fortune Brands, Redhill Company Ltd. and Thorn Stevenson Kellogg Management Consultants. Williams holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Trent University in Ontario, Canada.