2000+ Team Members, 100 Countries, 65+ Years of Innovation, 6 Continents, 3 Generations, 1 Family
LATICRETE International, Inc. was founded in 1956 by the late Dr. Henry M. Rothberg and his wife, Mrs. Lillian Rosenstock Rothberg. Company leadership throughout the last 65+ years has continued to drive innovation by providing globally proven construction solutions for the building industry.
Ever since its founding, LATICRETE has been committed to research and development of innovative installation products, building a reputation for superior quality, performance and customer service. Our methods, materials, and technology have been field and laboratory-proven by architects, engineers, contractors and owners. Offering an array of low VOC and sustainable products, our products contribute to LEED certification, exceed commercial and residential VOC building requirements and are backed by the most comprehensive warranties in the industry.
Leadership
Patrick Millot, CEO
Patrick Millot joined LATICRETE International Inc. as CEO in August of 2020. Millot most recently served as CEO of Abrasives and Composites Systems at Saint-Gobain, a manufacturer of high-performance materials and building products. In this position, he led a division overseeing 12,300 employees from 88 sites in 30 countries. Millot previously served as President of the Ceramic division, and prior to that as Vice President of corporate planning, strategy and finance of the High Performance Materials sector. He started his 24-year career at Saint-Gobain in finance and strategy before being promoted to General Manager of the Reinforcement Division.
He earned an engineering degree from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris, holds a master's in Economics, a LL. M. in International and European law and is a graduate from the Ecole Normale Supérieure.
He is married and has three sons.
Faisal Saleem, President & COO, International Division
Faisal Saleem is President of LATICRETE International’s International Division, working out of corporate headquarters in Bethany, CT. Saleem is responsible for the International P&L and market development activity of the division. His responsibilities include Organizational development, Strategic planning, Leadership development, M&A, and expansion into new geographic locations.
Originally from India, Saleem worked for a Laticrete distributor in Saudi Arabia before joining Laticrete International in the year 2000. He was one of the critical stakeholders who built, supported, and grew the MYK LATICRETE JV set up in India in the year 2000, he was responsible for the significant growth that resulted in four plants, 22 offices and the addition of more than 600 employees.
Along with his wife, he relocated to United States in 2006 and since then has held several positions at LATICRETE HQ, from Director International Technical Services to Sr. Director International business development. Most recently as Vice President of the International Division, he was a key player and instrumental in growing LATICRETE from four to 17 operating companies worldwide.
In addition to serving as the President & COO of the LATICRETE International Division, he also sits on the Board of Directors of several LATICRETE companies across the globe and is a member of YPO, a global business organization
Saleem graduated from Osmania University in Civil Engineering and attended the General Management Program at Harvard Business School.
He resides in Cheshire, CT with his wife Nusheen and sons Daniyal and Danish. Personal interests include reading, traveling and cricket.
Ron Nash, President & COO, North American Division
Ron Nash is an innovative and uplifting leader, currently serving as the President and COO – North America of LATICRETE, a renowned company in the construction industry. With a passion for driving positive change, Ron has played a pivotal role in shaping LATICRETE's success.
Before assuming the role of President in July 2021, Ron demonstrated his exceptional capabilities as the SVP of Sales & Marketing, where he spearheaded sales, product development, and marketing operations. His visionary approach, end-to-end management of all sales activities, and architectural specification support in the North American markets have contributed to the company's continuous growth and adaptability.
Recognized for his unwavering commitment to nature, Ron is a naturalist at heart. In 1993, he earned a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University, specializing in Botany/Plant Biology and Forestry. Ron's deep appreciation for the outdoors extends to his leadership philosophy, inspired by his participation in expeditions with the North American Outdoor Leadership School.
Within LATICRETE, Ron has received prestigious accolades, including the Captain Don Peak Award for Exceptional Leadership and the Timothy J. Alper Award for Outstanding Customer Service. His dedication to fostering strong relationships and driving customer satisfaction sets him apart as a true leader in the industry. Ron's expertise is also valued beyond his company's walls, as he actively serves on industry boards such as the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA).
A firm believer in continuous learning, Ron is a lifelong learner who consistently seeks new knowledge and experiences. In October 2021, he further enhanced his leadership skills by completing Yale's esteemed Global Leadership Executive Program, solidifying his expertise in navigating complex business landscapes.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Ron finds joy in his personal life. He resides in Ogden, Utah, alongside his wife and three daughters, cherishing the importance of family and balance.
Stuart Adendorff, CFO
Stuart Adendorff is Chief Financial Officer of LATICRETE International, Inc. He is responsible for overall financial management of LATICRETE including financial reporting, compliance, treasury, tax and risk management.
He comes as an accomplished CFO with over 30 years of experience in global family businesses, public companies and private-equity owned firms in manufacturing environments. Before joining LATICRETE, he was the CFO for Plastic Industries in Nashua, NH. Stuart previously assumed key financial responsibilities within Pfizer, United Technologies, HJ Baker & Bro and LBB Specialties.
Born in South Africa, Stuart started his career as a fighter pilot. He holds an MBA (Columbia), a Master of Accounting Science (South Africa) and is a CPA (Inactive).
Currently, Stuart lives in Southington, Connecticut with his wife Mandy. They have two daughters. In his leisure time, he enjoys flying airplanes!
Giri Peddinti, CIO
Giri Peddinti joined LATICRETE International in August 2021 and is currently the Chief Information Officer. He is a results-oriented IT Executive with 20 years of deep technology and extensive business relationship management experience, providing vision, strategy, and execution excellence.
He brings diverse international experience and is skilled in delivering transformative outcomes across multiple industries. Before managing his own consultant business, Giri held various technology leadership roles in companies such as Southwest Airlines, PepsiCo, Timberland and most recently as SVP & Chief Information Officer at Ansell, a $2.0b Global PPE manufacturer of industrial and medical gloves.
Giri holds an MBA in Strategic Management from Texas A&M University and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Amravati University, India.
Giri is currently residing in New Jersey with his wife Bindu, their two college going daughters Rhea and Ritu, and their yellow lab, Duke. Giri likes to spend his spare time perfecting his golf swing, traveling, and learning languages.
LATICRETE Board of Directors
David A. Rothberg, Chairman of the Board
David A. Rothberg, Chairman of LATICRETE International, Inc., holds a M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts.
Rothberg obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He has also completed courses at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Law School, and an advanced management program at the International Institute for Management Development (I.M.D.) in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Since 1978, Rothberg has been employed in the flooring industry full time, when he started in the laboratories of LATICRETE. Over the years, his responsibilities have included Scientist, Technical Service Representative, VP of Finance and Administration, and CEO. His areas of focus as Chairman are guiding the Board of outside directors to maintain LATICRETE as a family owned and operated business and upholding the values of it’s founders to help make the world a better place.
Rothberg travels extensively, reinforcing company values in over 100 countries. When not working, he is an avid cyclist, sea kayaker, and white-water canoeist. His expedition travels have taken him to the highest points on five continents, and by ski to the South Pole.
Rothberg is married to Attorney Nan M. Birdwhistell, former Mayor of Woodbridge, Connecticut. They have two sons; Daniel, a geologist and Board Observer, and Jason, a film script writer in Los Angeles.
He is a 25 year member of YPO, a global business organization, and has served on board of The Connecticut Business & Industry Association and on the Advisory Council of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), of Lander, WY., USA. NOLS is the leader in wilderness education.
Mark Levy
Mark S. Levy has dedicated his career to the fire alarm and early detection industry, overseeing the growth of both Fire-Lite Alarms Inc. (which was founded by his father Herbert in the 1940's) and NOTIFIER.
Mark received his BS in Business Administration from the University of Denver in 1970. Upon graduation, he took over Fire-Lite Alarms Inc., where he already had 10 years’ experience working with his grandfather and his father in various roles within the company. Mark set goals, objectives and marketing strategies that guided the company on a path of modernization and future growth. In addition, he recruited the industry's best engineers to develop and expand the company's product line. In 1984, Mark recognized another great opportunity to grow the business when he sold Fire-Lite to the Pittway Corporation of Chicago, Illinois. He remained as president of Fire-Lite Alarms Inc., and in 1987 was named president of NOTIFIER as well, another company acquired by Pittway. Today, both companies are part of Honeywell International's Fire Solutions Group and among the world's leading manufacturers of commercial fire detection systems.
Promoted to President of Honeywell International’s Fire Solutions Group in 2000, Mark oversaw five global systems brands - Fire-Lite, NOTIFIER, FCI, Gamewell and Silent Knight, as well as the detector and device businesses – System Sensor and KAC, which are the world leaders in their markets. The Fire Solutions Group employs over 3,000 people globally.
Among his achievements throughout his career, Mark was recognized by the Connecticut District Export Council in 1998 with the "Connecticut Exporter of the Year Award". He received the Honeywell Hero Award for outstanding achievement in September 2001. He is also active on the Board of the University of New Haven, currently as the Chairman of the Finance Committee; and former Board Chairman of the Easter Seal Goodwill Rehabilitation Center in New Haven.
Stephen Merkel
Steve has been a Director or Non-Executive Chairman for 14+ years with private and public companies involved in turnarounds, operational reviews, strategic planning, acquisitions, people development, succession planning, shareholder operating agreements, exit strategies and key customer and distributor interface. He was one of four Directors that led the turnaround of NYSE Sturm Ruger where market cap increased fivefold in six years.
Prior to this, he had 18 years of global and domestic P&L responsibility as Managing Director, President or Operating Executive mostly with Loctite Corporation. Steve's experience has included multi-national companies selling direct and/or through distribution across specialty chemicals, industrial, construction, fire arms, electronics, specialty water, paper, hospitality, HVAC, food service, specialty metal, automotive aftermarket, jan san, aerospace, restaurant and hardware.
Steve has led and directed the acquisition of 24+ companies and divested two businesses with shared services as either a Managing Director, President, Operating Executive or Board Member. He has managed thru natural disaster, wild inflation, catastrophic loss of facilities, major integrations, divestitures, a hostile takeover, turnarounds, fraud and financial uncertainty. He is adept at consistently improving the value offering and gross margins throughout his career by testing price elasticity, reengineering products, outsourcing, improving productivity, new product introduction and pricing to value not cost.
Steve has served on NYSE, private and not for profit Boards, and currently works with three privately held companies. He has also attended Executive Programs at IMD in Switzerland and AMOS Tuck School at Dartmouth. He also holds a Master’s degree in Marketing and Finance from Clarkson School of Management and a BS in Management from Clarkson University.
Dahra Granovsky
Dahra Granovsky is currently the CEO of BA Folding Cartons, a folding carton packaging company in Toronto, Canada. She formerly held the role of President of Atlantic Packaging Products, a 2000+ employee manufacturer of corrugated packaging, with integrated paper mills and recycling services. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of public companies Intertape Polymer Group Inc., Hammond Power Solutions, Velan Inc., and family-owned Atlantic Packaging Products Limited.
She holds a MBA from the University of Hartford in International Finance, and a BSc. from the University of Toronto. As a member of the LATICRETE Board of Directors, Dahra will enhance the lives of LATICRETE customers and employees by using her extensive experiences in sustainability, family owned business, and general management.
She lives in Toronto with her husband Richard Allen, their three sons and dog Baxter.
Jerry Perkins
Jerry Perkins was formerly the President of Henkel North and South America, in addition to leading Henkel’s Global General Industry Adhesive business unit.
He comes to LATICRETE with a wealth of strategic experience growing premium value, branded products businesses, and driving operational efficiency in global scale businesses using differentiated channels of distribution and digital platforms. Perkins has successfully led the acquisition and integration of businesses in the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Prior to joining Henkel’s leadership team Perkins was a senior marketing executive for Loctite Corporation, based in Hartford, CT. Perkins earned an M.B.A. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a B.S. in Finance, Summa Cum Laude from Central Connecticut State University.
Perkins is an avid outdoor enthusiast spending his free time skiing, cycling, and hiking. Perkins resides with his wife Barbara in Princeton, NJ.
John Selldorff
John Selldorff joins LATICRETE with over four decades worth of experience with various renowned global companies. In his current position as the President and CEO of North and Central America for Legrand, a global provider of products and solutions for electrical and digital building infrastructures he is responsible for the $4 billion business, 34 manufacturing sites, and more than 10,500 associates. Before Legrand, he served in leadership positions at both Honeywell and General Electric.
In addition to his role at Legrand, Mr. Selldorff is a member of the Board of Governors and former Chairman of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
He holds a BA from Colgate University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Thomas Tullo
Thomas Tullo, the Founder and Managing Director of Range Light Capital, Inc., joins LATICRETE with 38 years of experience in finance. Mr. Tullo is a specialist in public and private capital transactions, mergers and acquisitions and restructurings for Industrial manufacturing companies.
Prior to founding Range Light Capital, Mr. Tullo was a Partner in Rossoff & Co where he headed the firm’s Industrials practice. Previously Mr. Tullo headed the Industrial and Diversified Services Group at RBC Capital Markets. Prior to RBC his career included working at Goldman Sachs, S. G. Warburg and McKinsey & Company where he advised clients on mergers, acquisitions, financings and recapitalizations both in the U.S. and overseas. Mr. Tullo is a member of the Board of Directors of Taco Comfort Solutions.
Mr. Tullo holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School ’82, and an Economics degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Dartmouth College ’79.
In his free time, Tom enjoys sailing, woodworking, and reading.
Dr. Volker Weidmann
Volker Weidmann joins LATICRETE with 28 years of experience, including being the Managing Director of Hermann Otto GmbH in Fridolfing, Germany for the last 20 years. Having worked extensively in sales, R & D, application support, marketing and branding, Volker brings a comprehensive knowledge of construction industry practices and materials. He has been elected chairman of the German Industry Association of Sealant Manufacturers (IVD).
Volker was granted a master’s degree in organic chemistry and a doctoral in technical sciences from the Technical University in Graz, Austria. In his free time, Volker enjoys music (listening, composing and playing), hunting, reading and collecting books.
Doris Zelinsky
Doris Zelinsky has a 35-year career within US-based manufacturing and sales companies. She has worked with family owners, private equity and public companies. Ms. Zelinsky's "origins" are in manufacturing. During the last two decades, she has expanded her skills to full P&L responsibility, including general management, strategy, sales and marketing.
After completing her BA in economics at Yale and an MPA at Princeton, she joined the Lender’s Bagel Bakery and designed new technologies and plants to support their growth. At Lender's, she worked side-by-side with family leadership for six years, where she directed all operations, manufacturing, R&D, Q A, engineering, construction, supply chain and customer management. Lender’s grew revenues tenfold during her tenure. From there, she spent nine years with Kraft Foods, also in leadership positions.
During the last eight years, she has been an active board member of several manufacturing companies, as well as a management consultant. She currently serves on the Board of YUM Restaurants of Puerto Rico, and is an adviser to a 1,700 store chain in the US and Canada.
In addition, Ms. Zelinsky serves as both board member and as consultant to a portfolio of US companies in consumer products and food manufacturing equipment.
As a passionate volunteer, Ms. Zelinsky has served as the founder and president of Greater New Haven Holocaust Memory, responsible for maintaining the first Holocaust Memorial built in the United States on public land. She is the executive producer of "People Forget...New Haven Remembers", an award winning documentary that reinforces this "first in our country”, memorial’s timely and compelling message of tolerance.
Ms. Zelinsky resides in New Haven and Branford Connecticut with her spouse, Law Professor Edward Zelinsky. They have raised four children in Connecticut, where as a family, they actively enjoy New England's summer sailing and winter skiing sports.