Lancaster, Pa.—Armstrong has named Matthew Espe chief executive officer and president of the company. His appointment will become effective in late 
July.
“Matt brings a proven track record of placing a strong focus on customer service and profitable growth and is ideally suited to lead Armstrong into its next phase of growth,” said James J. O’Connor, Armstrong’s chairman. “Matt is an experienced executive who knows how to run large organizations efficiently and effectively. Throughout his career he has built businesses using systems and efficiency improvements, such as Six Sigma, to grow revenue and improve profitability.”
Espe brings 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, distribution and global manufacturing management to Armstrong. Prior, he was with Ricoh Americas Corporation, a subsidiary of Ricoh Company, a provider of document management products and services, where he serves as chairman and chief executive officer.
He has also served as chairman and chief executive officer of IKON Office Solutions, a $4 billion office equipment distributor and services provider with 24,000 employees, which was acquired by Ricoh in 2008.
Espe succeeds Michael D. Lockhart who stepped down in February. O’Connor, who was named chairman of the board of directors of Armstrong in February, will stay on. The board of directors plans to nominate Espe to serve on Armstrong’s board after his appointment as CEO becomes effective.