NEW CASTLE, DEL— Speakman has appointed Rob Cook as its sixth president and first non-family member to lead the company in its 141 year history.  Cook comes to Speakman from Vistage International (formerly TEC), a peer to peer business leadership organization.  As a Vistage Chair covering the Mid-Atlantic States, he led a CEO peer group of small to mid-size companies and was recognized in 2009 with a Vistage Chair of Excellence Award for his distinguished service.

Cook will direct the ongoing growth initiatives in Speakman’s heritage businesses in commercial plumbing and residential shower and bath.  He will also oversee the company’s new ventures; a DTC (direct to consumer) e-commerce web-site, www.speakmanshowers.com, a growing Beijing, China sales office and a high efficiency air conditioning business, Cooling Solutions.  Speakman Cooling Solutions was recently selected by Resorts World Sentosa to provide advanced evaporative coolers for the Universal Studios theme park in Singapore.    

“It is a very exciting time to join the Speakman Company,” said Cook, “I look forward to building on the company’s recent success.  We have a great brand name and a lot of opportunity to grow.”
 
Rodman Ward III, who will continue as Speakman Company’s chairman, said Cook is well suited to lead the company.  “As a member of Vistage, I have worked closely with Rob for the past four years.  He has also managed his own sales company and worked in sales and marketing for W.L. Gore & Associates.  These direct experiences in addition to his proven leadership skills will make a big difference as we look to achieve our growth goals.”