LATICRETE, a global manufacturer and leader of premium installation and finishing systems for the building industry, has appointed Stephen T. Merkel of West Hartford, CT to its Board of Directors. His appointment was announced at the company's annual Shareholders’ meeting.

Stephen is a Senior Executive with 18 years of international and domestic responsibilities. He has an exceptional track record for sales and profit growth, focusing on acquiring and integrating companies worldwide. He has been adept at consistently improving companies' value-offering throughout his career by re-engineering products, improving productivity, new product introductions, licensing, acquisition and pricing-to-value. As Assistant to the Chairman of a Fortune 500 NYSE Specialty Chemical Company, he was responsible for acquisitions focused on customer needs and accelerating growth.

Mr. Merkel has served on NYSE, private and not-for-profit boards, and currently advises a number of privately held businesses.

His personal interests are golf and sailing. He has two daughters (23 and 20), and a 12 year-old son. Steve Merkel has attended Executive Programs at IMD in Switzerland and The Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth. He also holds a Masters Degree in Marketing and Finance from Clarkson University School of Management, and a BS in Management from Clarkson University.

LATICRETE International, Inc. is a US-based, family-owned, global manufacturer of premium installation and finishing systems for the building industry. LATICRETE® products are produced and distributed worldwide in the commercial and consumer channels. The company’s philosophy of innovation and technical expertise has led to an unparalleled reputation for superior quality, performance and customer service.