Lancaster, Pa.—Armstrong World Industries named Michael J. Badar vice president of Wood Flooring, the division recently integrated into Armstrong’s Floor Products (AFP). Relocating to the Wood Flooring headquarters in Dallas, Badar will report directly to Chan Galbato, president and CEO of AFP. Galbato noted, the flooring business will be focused on “leveraging Armstrong’s assets in Lancaster with the wood division in Dallas to increase the vibrancy of new product introductions, new market development, design leadership and customer service.”

To accomplish this, Badar, “will work closely with our senior vice president, North American Flooring, Frank Ready, to capitalize on the synergies being created by the continuing integration of Armstrong’s extensive portfolio of floor coverings, which include wood, vinyl, linoleum, laminate and specialty carpeted floor products,” explained Galbato. Working with Ready, Badar, “will help align our industry-leading wood flooring business with our vibrant resilient business, especially in the areas of sales and marketing. This includes managing the distribution systems in a manner that best serves our customers, retailers and Armstrong,” he continued.

For the last 2-1/2 years, Badar was chief commercial officer and co-CEO of ChoiceParts, an internet based auto parts business in Chicago. Previous to Choice-Parts, he held the position of vice president, North American Operation’s for General Electric’s Capital Fleet Services. There he was responsible for leading and directing North American asset acquisition and customer service functions. “Michael is a proven leader in multiple venues. He will solidify the leadership we have in place in Dallas and advance the ongoing strategic reorganization of combining our two major flooring operations,” concluded Galbato. In addition to Badar, Joe Thompson was appointed vice president of marketing, Wood Flooring. He will work with industry veterans on the operations side of the business along with professionals in marketing and sales. Melvin Burkhardt was named general manager of new business development, a newly created position in the company’s Wood Products division.

Previously a national sales manager for the company’s Bruce division, Burkhardt will be responsible for expansion and growth in the area of Armstrong’s Wood Products. Drew Hash has been appointed general manager of North American sales, AFP, and will focus on driving the wood flooring sales engine for all Armstrong’s wood flooring brands.