An unexpected change is taking place at the top of the international flooring industry. Wim Messiaen, who assumed the coveted role of CEO at Unilin (known for Quick-Step) in early 2023, is stepping down with immediate effect. The parent company, US-based Mohawk Industries, is intervening and sending a familiar executive to its Wielsbeke headquarters to ensure continuity.
© Unilin
Messiaen's departure comes as a bolt from the blue. He had been in office for only two years, succeeding Bernard Thiers, the man who was at the helm of the West Flanders manufacturer for almost 40 years. Although the market saw Messiaen as the man who had successfully filled Thiers' "big shoes", his tenure now ends prematurely.
Interims solution from the US
Unilin has confirmed that Paul De Cock will temporarily take over as CEO. De Cock is no stranger to the organisation: he currently serves as COO of US listed parent group Mohawk Industries and knows Unilin's internal operations inside out. The company, which has some 7,800 employees worldwide, is refraining from commenting for now on the exact reason for the split. A spokesperson suffices with a word of thanks for Messiaen's commitment.
A short-lived 'perfect match'
Upon his appointment in 2023, Messiaen was still described as the "perfect man for the job". With 30 years of management experience at industrial heavyweights such as Domo, Etex and VPK Group, his profile seemed to fit seamlessly with Unilin's ambitious growth and innovation strategy.
During the handover period in 2023, Messiaen stressed that he had no radical change of direction in mind. "I think there will be little change in style from how Bernard approached things," he explained at the time. His focus was on sustainability, circularity and 'zero harm' in the workplace.
Challenges in the flooring sector
The departure coincides with a period when the global economy and the construction sector are under pressure. When he took office, Messiaen still showed himself to be combative and ambitious. Despite the economic cross-currents, Unilin continued to invest solidly under his leadership, backed by Mohawk's confidence.
The sudden change at the top raises questions about the market leader's future direction. For Unilin and Quick-Step's B2B partners, the final succession and the question of whether the focus on circularity and international expansion initiated by Messiaen will remain unchanged under the watchful eye of the US parent group are now awaited.
More information:
Unilin
www.unilin.com
