Thursday, July 3, 2025
In a significant leadership shift within the wood products industry, Kirk Blanchette has taken the helm as the new President of Huber Engineered Woods (HEW), a pivotal company under the J.M. Huber Corporation umbrella. Blanchette succeeds Brian Carlson, who retired after a successful 30-year career at Huber, with the last decade serving as the company’s President.
Blanchette, with over 25 years of extensive experience in finance, corporate strategy, and leadership, steps into this crucial role at a time when HEW continues its commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainability within the engineered wood products sector. Previously serving as HEW’s Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Strategy, Blanchette has been instrumental in overseeing key functions, including marketing, strategy, finance, accounting, purchasing, and risk management. His robust background also extends to logistics, sales operations, and information technology, all of which will serve him well in his new capacity.
Blanchette’s academic credentials include a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Investments from Babson College and an MBA from the prestigious Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. His deep industry knowledge and strategic leadership will help steer HEW as it continues to innovate and deliver top-quality engineered wood products to professionals across various industries.
Brian Carlson’s Legacy: 30 Years of Impact
Brian Carlson, who officially retired on July 3, 2025, leaves behind a remarkable legacy at HEW. His 30-year tenure at Huber and a decade-long leadership as HEW’s President have solidified the company as a trusted provider of engineered wood products, renowned for quality, safety, and sustainability. Under Carlson’s leadership, HEW expanded its portfolio and strengthened its position in the global market, ensuring that its engineered wood solutions met the evolving needs of construction professionals and builders.
HEW’s longstanding focus on sustainability has played a central role in its product development, ensuring that every engineered wood product not only delivers performance but also contributes to environmentally responsible building practices. With a strong focus on high-quality, innovative solutions, HEW has been at the forefront of the industry, providing advanced materials that support the construction of safer, more durable structures.
A Vision for the Future
As Kirk Blanchette assumes the role of President, Huber Engineered Woods’s strategic focus remains on advancing its core principles of safety, sustainability, and innovation. The company continues to invest in cutting-edge technology and expertise, ensuring that it remains a leader in engineered wood solutions. Blanchette’s experience in driving corporate growth and leading cross-functional teams will enable HEW to further solidify its reputation as an industry leader.
Huber Engineered Woods, with its comprehensive approach to product development, is committed to meeting the increasing demands of the modern construction industry. By focusing on sustainable and reliable building materials, HEW ensures that every project, whether residential or commercial, is supported by products that are both eco-friendly and durable.
Sustainability and Innovation at the Core of Huber Engineered Woods’s Mission
For 125 years, the Huber name has stood for a commitment to quality, sustainability, and the safety of its employees and customers. HEW continues to build on this rich history by leveraging the expertise of its engineering team and working closely with a dedicated sales force to ensure that every customer receives the highest quality product.
As the wood products industry continues to evolve, Huber Engineered Woods under the leadership of Kirk Blanchette is poised for continued growth, making meaningful contributions to the construction of a more sustainable and resilient future. The company’s products are trusted by professionals worldwide, and with its forward-thinking leadership, HEW will undoubtedly continue to set industry standards for years to come.
In the wake of Brian Carlson’s retirement, HEW embarks on a new era under Blanchette’s stewardship, with a vision of sustained innovation, customer-focused solutions, and an unwavering commitment to building a more sustainable world through high-performance engineered wood products.
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