OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — M-D Building Products has appointed Christian Leard as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Ryan Plotkin, who led the company for more than five years, will transition to Vice Chairman of the Board.
“M-D has a rich history, an exceptional culture, and a clear path forward. I’m honored to join this team and excited to build on the strong foundation already in place. One of my favorite quotes, borrowed from the founder of one of my previous companies, is ‘Business is People,’ and I embody that in my leadership philosophy and professional ethos. I look forward to winning together as a team,” Leard said.
“M-D has a rich history, an exceptional culture, and a clear path forward. I’m honored to join this team and excited to build on the strong foundation already in place. One of my favorite quotes, borrowed from the founder of one of my previous companies, is ‘Business is People,’ and I embody that in my leadership philosophy and professional ethos. I look forward to winning together as a team.”
– Christian Leard, President and Chief Executive Officer, M-D Building Products
Leard brings decades of experience in manufacturing and operations leadership. He most recently served as President and CEO of Perennials and Sutherland, a Bertram Capital portfolio company specializing in luxury outdoor furniture and performance fabrics. His career includes leadership roles at Levolor under Hunter Douglas and 15 years at Newell Brands in general management, marketing, and sales. Leard began his career at Stanley Black & Decker and served four years in the U.S. Navy as a Deep Sea Diver. He holds a BBA from the University of Georgia and an MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.
Plotkin will remain involved in strategic direction, culture, and long-term planning while focusing on major initiatives around reshoring and promoting domestic manufacturing.
“These projects represent generational opportunities for domestic manufacturing and supply chain reshoring,” Plotkin said. “While I will be expanding my work in this area, I remain committed to M-D, to our employees, and to our mission as a family-owned company. The Plotkin family is deeply invested in the long-term future of M-D, and in the success of every person who contributes to our organization.”
Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, M-D Building Products manufactures weatherization products, flooring trims, aluminum extrusions, sealants, and related building solutions. The company serves retail, OEM, and professional markets across North America and continues to invest in modernization and innovation to strengthen its role in domestic manufacturing.
