La Grange, Ga.—William D. Blackstock Jr. was selected as the new president and CEO of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), effective Jan. 1, 2022. Blackstock is working with current president and CEO Dean Thompson for orientation to his new role and responsibilities. In his role at RFCI, Thompson led the resilient flooring industry through a period of unprecedented growth over the past 15 years.
“Knowing that I would be retiring in 2020, I began the recruiting process for my replacement over 18 months ago and I am delighted that the RFCI selection committee agreed with my recommendation to bring Mr. Blackstock on board to head up this important trade organization,” Thompson said. “He brings an impressive record of accomplishment and will help RFCI and the resilient flooring industry build on its very impressive, long-term growth record.”
Prior to his new role as president and CEO of RFCI, Blackstock was the vice president of commercial business, segment and sales development at Engineered Floors where he oversaw corporate strategies driving revenue and profitability in the global commercial sector. Blackstock was the corporate vice president of sales at the J+J Flooring Group and held multiple leadership roles in the contract and hospitality sectors at Milliken & Company.
“No doubt about it, I have big shoes to fill,” Blackstock said. “Dean has led RFCI and our membership with exciting strategic ideas and vision. We will continue to build on that legacy by representing our flooring category to be the best in the business. I’m looking forward to working with Dean and others to accomplish just that.”