Core & Main Announces Leadership Transition and Board Enhancements as Part of Long-Term Succession Strategy
Core & Main, Inc., a leading specialty distributor focused on advancing reliable infrastructure solutions across the United States, has announced significant changes to its board of directors and executive leadership structure. These updates, set to take effect on April 1, 2026, reflect the company’s continued commitment to strong governance practices and long-term succession planning.
The leadership transition marks an important milestone for Core & Main as it positions itself for sustained growth, operational excellence, and continued value creation for shareholders. By refreshing its board composition and redefining key leadership roles, the company aims to strengthen oversight, bring in fresh industry expertise, and ensure continuity in strategic execution.
Appointment of M. Susan Hardwick Strengthens Industry Expertise
A central highlight of the announcement is the appointment of M. Susan Hardwick as a member of the board of directors. In addition to joining the board, she will also serve on the company’s talent and compensation committee, where her expertise will help guide executive leadership development and compensation strategies.
Ms. Hardwick brings decades of experience in the regulated utility sector, making her a valuable addition to Core & Main’s leadership. Most recently, she served as the Chief Executive Officer of American Water Works Company, Inc. from 2022 to 2025, where she led one of the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utilities in the United States. During her tenure as CEO, she was responsible for overseeing operational performance, regulatory compliance, and long-term infrastructure investment strategies.
Prior to her role as CEO, Ms. Hardwick served as Chief Financial Officer of American Water from 2019 to 2022. In that capacity, she played a key role in managing the company’s financial health, capital allocation strategies, and investor relations. Her financial acumen, combined with her operational leadership experience, positions her as a well-rounded executive capable of contributing to Core & Main’s strategic direction.
Her background in capital markets, infrastructure investment, and strategic transactions aligns closely with Core & Main’s growth ambitions. As the company continues to expand its footprint and invest in infrastructure solutions, her insights are expected to provide valuable guidance on financial discipline and long-term planning.
Strategic Leadership Transition at the Board Level
In conjunction with Ms. Hardwick’s appointment, Core & Main has implemented a series of governance and leadership transitions designed to ensure a smooth evolution of its board structure.
Stephen LeClair, who has played a pivotal role in the company’s development, has officially retired from his positions as Executive Chair and Chair of the Board. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the company’s history, as he has been closely associated with Core & Main’s journey since it became an independent entity.
Following his retirement, James Castellano, who previously served as the company’s Lead Independent Director, has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board. Castellano’s elevation to this role reflects the board’s confidence in his leadership capabilities, governance expertise, and deep understanding of the company’s operations and strategic priorities.
This transition underscores Core & Main’s commitment to maintaining a strong independent governance framework, with experienced leadership guiding the board’s oversight responsibilities.
Enhancements to Audit Committee Leadership
As part of the broader governance updates, Core & Main has also made key changes to its audit committee, reinforcing its focus on financial oversight and risk management.
James Hope has been appointed as the Chair of the Audit Committee, a role that carries significant responsibility for ensuring the integrity of the company’s financial reporting processes, internal controls, and compliance frameworks. Hope’s experience and expertise are expected to enhance the committee’s effectiveness in overseeing complex financial and regulatory matters.
Additionally, Robert Buck has been named as a member of the audit committee. His inclusion further strengthens the committee by adding another layer of financial and operational insight, supporting the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
These changes reflect Core & Main’s proactive approach to maintaining robust governance structures that align with best practices in corporate oversight.
CEO Perspective on Board Strengthening
Mark Witkowski, Chief Executive Officer of Core & Main, emphasized the importance of these leadership changes in supporting the company’s long-term strategy.
“Susan brings valuable leadership experience in the water industry to Core & Main’s board, which will be instrumental as we continue to execute our growth strategy,” Witkowski stated. “Her perspective and experience will further strengthen the board as we advance our strategic priorities.”
His remarks highlight the strategic value of adding industry-specific expertise to the board, particularly as Core & Main continues to focus on infrastructure solutions related to water, wastewater, and other essential services.
The CEO’s endorsement of Ms. Hardwick also reflects confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully to the company’s decision-making processes and long-term vision.
New Director Shares Vision for Contribution
Ms. Hardwick expressed her enthusiasm about joining Core & Main’s board and contributing to its continued success.
“It is an honor to be joining Core & Main’s board of directors,” she said. “I look forward to contributing my experience in the regulated utility industry to support the company’s continued success.”
Her statement underscores her commitment to leveraging her industry knowledge and leadership experience to help guide Core & Main through its next phase of growth.
As infrastructure demands continue to evolve, particularly in water and utility sectors, her insights are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the company’s strategic initiatives.
Recognition of Stephen LeClair’s Legacy
The company also took the opportunity to recognize the significant contributions of Stephen LeClair, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping Core & Main’s trajectory.
James Castellano, the newly appointed Chair of the Board, expressed gratitude on behalf of the board, stating, “On behalf of the board of Core & Main, I would like to thank Steve for his many years of service to the organization.”
LeClair’s tenure includes serving as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board from 2017 through March 2025, a period during which Core & Main established itself as a leading independent distributor in the infrastructure sector. He later served as Chair of the Board starting in 2024, further contributing to the company’s governance and strategic oversight.
“His leadership played an important role in positioning the company for success, and we wish him well in retirement,” Castellano added.
LeClair’s legacy includes guiding the company through key growth phases, strengthening its market position, and building a foundation for long-term success.
Board Composition Reflects Strong Independent Governance
With the addition of Ms. Hardwick, Core & Main’s board now comprises ten members, nine of whom are independent directors. This high level of independence reflects the company’s commitment to strong corporate governance and objective oversight.
The board includes a diverse group of experienced professionals with backgrounds spanning infrastructure, finance, operations, and corporate leadership. In addition to Ms. Hardwick, the independent directors are Bhavani Amirthalingam, Robert Buck, James Castellano, Dennis Gipson, James Hope, Orvin Kimbrough, Kathleen Mazzarella, and Margaret Newman.
This diverse composition ensures a broad range of perspectives, enabling the board to effectively guide the company through complex strategic decisions and evolving market dynamics.
Positioning for Future Growth and Infrastructure Demand
The leadership and governance changes come at a time when demand for infrastructure investment, particularly in water and utility systems, continues to grow across the United States.
Core & Main’s focus on providing reliable infrastructure solutions positions it well to capitalize on these opportunities. By strengthening its board with experienced leaders and implementing a thoughtful succession plan, the company is reinforcing its ability to navigate industry challenges and pursue long-term growth.
The addition of Ms. Hardwick, combined with the transition in board leadership, signals a forward-looking approach that balances continuity with innovation. As the company continues to expand its capabilities and market presence, strong governance will remain a critical component of its success.
Core & Main’s announcement of board and leadership changes represents a carefully planned step in its ongoing evolution. By bringing in new expertise, recognizing past leadership contributions, and reinforcing governance structures, the company is positioning itself for sustained success in a dynamic infrastructure landscape.
These changes not only reflect a commitment to best practices in corporate governance but also underscore the company’s readiness to adapt and grow in response to emerging opportunities. As Core & Main moves forward, its strengthened leadership team and board will play a pivotal role in shaping its future trajectory.
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