Cornerstone Building Brands Appoints Industry Veteran Suzanne Stefany to Board of Directors, Strengthening Governance and Strategic Oversight
Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc., one of North America’s premier manufacturers of exterior building products, has announced the appointment of Suzanne Stefany to its Board of Directors, effective June 1, 2025. Stefany, a seasoned financial executive and corporate strategist, will also take on key responsibilities as a member of the Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Compensation Committee.
The addition of Stefany is viewed as a strategic move by Cornerstone Building Brands, as the company continues to accelerate its long-term growth trajectory, enhance its governance practices, and sharpen its focus on delivering value to stakeholders across the construction and industrial sectors.
A Strategic Appointment to Bolster Board Expertise
With decades of experience in finance, investment analysis, and corporate advisory roles, Stefany brings a deep reservoir of industry insight and governance expertise to the Cornerstone Building Brands Board. Her appointment underscores the company’s commitment to diversifying its board with high-caliber leaders capable of navigating complex market environments and supporting its transformation into a more agile and resilient organization.
“Suzanne’s deep strategic expertise and building materials industry knowledge, combined with her board experience, will be invaluable as we focus on being the partner of choice for customers and delivering top-tier growth and margins over the long term,” said John Krenicki, Chairman and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone Building Brands. “We are excited to welcome her to our Board of Directors.”
Krenicki, who has held various executive and leadership roles across the industrial and manufacturing sectors, emphasized the value of Stefany’s advisory acumen—particularly in light of her work advising companies in transformation-heavy industries. “As we continue to build a more customer-centric, performance-driven organization, the insights that Suzanne brings will help elevate our strategic decision-making and strengthen our board oversight.”
Deep Experience in Financial Services and Industrial Advisory
Stefany currently serves as a Senior Advisor at PJT Partners, a New York City-based global investment bank that specializes in advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, restructuring, and shareholder activism defense. From 2017 to 2024, she served as a Partner at PJT Partners, where she advised a wide range of industrial clients, often working with senior leadership teams and boards to navigate pivotal moments such as corporate reorganizations, strategic divestitures, and large-scale transformations.
During her time at PJT, Stefany developed a reputation for thoughtful, data-driven guidance, helping companies unlock value in rapidly shifting competitive landscapes. Her expertise in managing high-stakes financial transactions and restructuring processes made her a go-to advisor for industrial organizations operating at a global scale.
Prior to joining PJT Partners, Stefany built a successful career in asset management and equity research. She was Managing Director and Global Industry Analyst at Wellington Management, one of the world’s largest independent investment management firms. At Wellington, she led the analysis and management of global equity portfolios, evaluating companies across multiple continents—including North America, Europe, and Asia—and guiding investment strategies that drove consistent returns.
Her professional background also includes senior roles at Loomis Sayles, Invesco Capital Management, and Putnam Investments, where she honed her skills in financial modeling, equity valuation, and global capital market dynamics. These experiences have given her a comprehensive understanding of the financial drivers underlying industrial and manufacturing businesses—an asset that will likely serve Cornerstone Building Brands well in the coming years.
Board Experience Anchored in Corporate Governance Excellence
In addition to her impressive financial and advisory credentials, Stefany brings substantial boardroom experience. Since 2022, she has served as a director on the Board of AMETEK, a global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices. At AMETEK, she sits on the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Governance Committee, contributing to oversight across financial reporting, executive compensation, and board governance frameworks.
She also previously served on the board of directors for JELD-WEN Holding, Inc., a leading manufacturer of windows and doors. At JELD-WEN, Stefany held the influential position of Lead Independent Director and also chaired the Nominating and Governance Committee. Her tenure there was marked by a focus on board effectiveness, executive leadership evaluation, and organizational alignment with shareholder interests. She also served on the Compensation Committee, where she helped shape executive incentive structures designed to foster long-term performance and accountability.
Stefany’s track record of leadership in boardrooms across the industrial and building materials sectors positions her as a valuable addition to Cornerstone Building Brands as the company continues its evolution under private equity ownership.
Educational Background and Broader Industry Relevance
Stefany holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Spanish from Tufts University, where she developed a strong foundation in macroeconomic theory and international business. She later earned a master’s degree in Management and Finance from the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management. Her academic background—coupled with her years of practical experience in financial institutions and industrial consulting—equips her with both analytical rigor and strategic vision.
Her understanding of economic policy, market cycles, and international business environments has allowed her to lead through volatility, offering informed perspectives on supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures, and global capital flows. These are critical issues facing the building products industry today, as companies like Cornerstone Building Brands respond to market fluctuations, regulatory changes, and shifts in construction demand across commercial, residential, and industrial segments.
Aligning Board Leadership with Company Strategy
Stefany’s appointment aligns with a broader strategic initiative at Cornerstone Building Brands to ensure its board possesses a diverse blend of experience in corporate governance, operations, capital markets, and customer-centric innovation. Her joining the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reinforces the company’s emphasis on board refreshment, succession planning, and adherence to best-in-class governance practices.
Meanwhile, her role on the Compensation Committee is expected to support Cornerstone’s efforts to design executive pay structures that promote high performance while aligning with shareholder expectations. These governance initiatives are particularly important as the company navigates its next phase of growth, balancing strategic investments in digital tools, sustainable manufacturing, and customer experience with operational efficiency.
Cornerstone Building Brands is poised for continued expansion, supported by a comprehensive product portfolio that includes windows, siding, metal roofing, wall systems, and other exterior building solutions. As construction trends evolve and customers seek more sustainable, customizable, and efficient solutions, the company is investing in innovation, digital transformation, and operational excellence.
With Suzanne Stefany’s appointment, the Cornerstone Building Brands gains a director with a proven ability to guide businesses through complexity, manage change at scale, and enhance financial performance. Her addition signals a forward-looking vision that places a premium on governance, strategic alignment, and disciplined execution.
As the building products industry continues to experience shifts in demand, material costs, and labor dynamics, the presence of an advisor with Stefany’s depth of experience will be a key asset for the company’s leadership team and shareholders alike.
