Meet the Core & Main Board of Directors

In today's corporate landscape, the role of a board of directors has become increasingly important. This is especially true for a company like Core & Main, where strong and effective governance is essential to the success of the business. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the board of directors of Core & Main and explore the various aspects of their role within the company.

Understanding the Importance of Board of Directors in Corporate Governance

Before delving into Core & Main's board of directors specifically, it's important to understand why boards of directors are so vital to corporate governance. In simplest terms, the board of directors is responsible for overseeing and directing the affairs of the company. They do this through a variety of mechanisms, such as setting strategic direction, approving major transactions, hiring and firing senior executives, and ensuring that the company is run in a legal and ethical manner.

Overall, the board of directors acts as a fiduciary on behalf of the company's shareholders, working to create long-term value and protect the interests of all stakeholders. In this way, having a strong, independent board is essential for any successful company, and Core & Main is no exception.

Furthermore, the board of directors also plays a crucial role in risk management. They are responsible for identifying and assessing potential risks that the company may face, and developing strategies to mitigate those risks. This includes everything from financial risks, such as market fluctuations and credit risks, to operational risks, such as supply chain disruptions and cybersecurity threats.

By having a diverse and experienced board of directors, Core & Main is able to effectively manage risks and make informed decisions that benefit the company and its stakeholders.

History and Evolution of Core & Main

Core & Main was founded in 2017 when HD Supply Waterworks was sold to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. The company is a leading distributor of waterworks, natural gas, and fire protection products in North America, with over 300 locations across the United States and Canada.

Since its founding, Core & Main has grown rapidly through a combination of strategic acquisitions and organic growth. Today, the company is a major player in the markets it serves, and its board of directors plays a critical role in shaping the direction of the business.

One of the key factors contributing to Core & Main's success is its commitment to innovation. The company has invested heavily in technology and digital solutions to improve its operations and better serve its customers. For example, Core & Main has developed a mobile app that allows customers to easily access product information, place orders, and track deliveries in real-time.

In addition to its focus on innovation, Core & Main is also dedicated to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The company has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as using energy-efficient lighting and reducing waste. Core & Main also supports a variety of charitable organizations and community initiatives, including disaster relief efforts and youth education programs.

The Role of Core & Main Board of Directors in Shaping Company Strategy

The role of the board of directors in shaping the strategy of a company cannot be overstated. At Core & Main, the board is responsible for setting the overall strategic direction of the business, identifying key growth areas and opportunities, and ensuring that the company is well-positioned to compete in its markets.

Additionally, the Core & Main board of directors is focused on ensuring that the company is delivering value to its shareholders. This means taking a critical look at the company's financial performance, understanding the key drivers of that performance, and making strategic decisions that will drive long-term value creation.

Furthermore, the Core & Main board of directors plays a crucial role in overseeing the company's risk management practices. They work closely with the executive team to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. This includes monitoring the company's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as assessing the potential impact of external factors such as economic conditions and industry trends.

An Overview of Core & Main's Board Structure and Composition

The Core & Main board of directors consists of eight members, all of whom are independent directors. This means that they have no material relationship with the company that could compromise their objectivity or independence. The board is chaired by Paul Levy, who also serves on the board of directors of Becton, Dickinson and Company and China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd.

Overall, the board is comprised of a diverse group of individuals with significant experience in a range of industries and areas of expertise, including finance, strategy, operations, and marketing. This diversity is essential to ensuring that the board is able to effectively oversee the entire business and provide valuable insights and guidance to the company's management team.

In addition to the diverse range of expertise on the board, Core & Main also places a strong emphasis on gender and racial diversity. Currently, the board consists of four women and four men, with three members identifying as people of color. This commitment to diversity is not only important for promoting equality and representation, but also for bringing a variety of perspectives and experiences to the decision-making process.

The board also has a strong focus on corporate social responsibility and sustainability. Several members have experience in environmental and social impact initiatives, and the company has set ambitious goals for reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices throughout its operations. This commitment to responsible business practices is not only important for the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants, but also for building a strong reputation and maintaining the trust of customers and stakeholders.

Profiles of Core & Main Board Members: Their Background, Experience, and Expertise

Let's take a closer look at each of the members of the Core & Main board of directors and their qualifications:

• Paul Levy: see above.
• Deborah Gatzek: Serves on the board of directors of Owens & Minor, Inc. and TRC Companies, Inc. Brings expertise in finance, accounting, and risk management.
• Frederick Hill: Former CEO and Chairman of Oldcastle Infrastructure, a leading manufacturer of precast concrete products. Has extensive experience in operations and manufacturing.
• John Langan: Serves on the board of directors of Actuant Corporation and Global Brass and Copper Holdings, Inc. Has significant experience in private equity and corporate finance.
• Harlan Robins: Founder and CEO of Adaptive Biotechnologies, a leading producer of immune system profiling tools. Brings expertise in biotechnology, innovation, and scientific research.
• Robert Schukai: Chief Business Officer at Kinetic, a connectivity technology company. Has expertise in emerging technologies, digital transformation, and business strategy.
• Gary S. Valade: Former CEO of Valade Heating & Cooling, a leading HVAC contractor. Has significant experience in small business management and entrepreneurship.
• Tammy Weisman: Serves on the board of directors of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. and Regal Beloit Corporation. Brings expertise in marketing, digital innovation, and supply chain management.

In addition to their impressive qualifications, the Core & Main board members have also made significant contributions to their respective industries. For example, Deborah Gatzek has been recognized for her leadership in finance and accounting, receiving several awards for her work in these fields.

Furthermore, Harlan Robins has been instrumental in advancing the field of biotechnology, with his company Adaptive Biotechnologies making groundbreaking discoveries in the area of immune system profiling. His work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades.

How the Core & Main Board Ensures Effective Risk Management and Compliance

Another critical role of the board of directors is overseeing risk management and compliance at the company. This involves understanding the key risks facing the business, ensuring that appropriate controls are in place to mitigate those risks, and monitoring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

At Core & Main, the board takes a proactive approach to risk management and compliance, working closely with the company's management team to identify and address potential risks before they become major issues. Additionally, the board has established committees focused specifically on risk management and audit, further ensuring that these areas are given the attention they deserve.

The board also regularly reviews and updates the company's risk management and compliance policies to ensure they remain relevant and effective. This includes staying up-to-date with changes in laws and regulations that may impact the business, as well as monitoring industry trends and best practices.

Furthermore, the board encourages a culture of compliance throughout the organization, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior and accountability at all levels. This includes providing regular training and education to employees on topics such as anti-corruption, data privacy, and cybersecurity.

Board Committees at Core & Main: What They Do and Who Serves on Them

The Core & Main board of directors has established several committees to help manage its responsibilities. These committees include:

• Audit Committee
• Compensation Committee
• Nominating and Governance Committee
• Finance Committee
• Risk Management Committee

Each of these committees has specific responsibilities and is comprised of members of the board with relevant experience and expertise.

The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the company's financial reporting and internal controls. This committee ensures that the company's financial statements are accurate and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

The Compensation Committee is responsible for determining the compensation packages for the company's executives and directors. This committee ensures that the compensation packages are competitive and aligned with the company's goals and objectives.

How the Core & Main Board Works with Executive Management to Drive Business Performance

While the board of directors is responsible for setting overall strategy and providing oversight of the company, it is ultimately the executive management team that is responsible for executing on that strategy and driving business performance. As such, the relationship between the board and the management team is critical to the success of the company.

At Core & Main, the board works closely with the company's executive management team to ensure that the strategy and goals of the company are aligned with the needs of all stakeholders. Through regular communication and collaboration, the board and management team are able to work together to create long-term value for shareholders and drive the success of the business.

The Future of Core & Main: Insights from the Board of Directors

Looking ahead, the future of Core & Main is bright. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on continued growth in its markets, and the board of directors is committed to ensuring that the company stays at the forefront of innovation and industry best practices.

According to Chairman Paul Levy, "At Core & Main, we believe that strong corporate governance is essential to the success of our business. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and independent board of directors that will enable us to continue creating value for all of our stakeholders for years to come."

Comparing Core & Main's Board Practices to Industry Best Practices

Overall, the governance practices of Core & Main's board of directors align with best practices in the industry. The board is diverse, independent, and focused on ensuring that the company is delivering long-term value to shareholders.

Additionally, the board has established committees focused specifically on key areas of responsibility, such as risk management and audit. This approach ensures that these areas are given the appropriate amount of attention and oversight.

Analyzing the Impact of Recent Changes to the Core & Main Board on Company Performance

Finally, it's worth considering the impact that recent changes to Core & Main's board of directors may have on the company's performance. While the board has undergone changes in recent years, the company's commitment to strong and effective governance has remained constant.

Going forward, we can expect the Core & Main board of directors to continue playing a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of the company and ensuring that its operations are aligned with the needs of all stakeholders. With a diverse, independent, and experienced board in place, Core & Main is well-positioned for continued success in the years to come.

• Q1: What is the role of a board of directors in corporate governance, according to the article?
  A1: The board of directors is responsible for overseeing and directing the affairs of a company, including setting strategic direction, approving major transactions, hiring and firing senior executives, and ensuring that the company is run in a legal and ethical manner. They act as a fiduciary on behalf of the company's shareholders to create long-term value and protect the interests of all stakeholders.
• Q2: What is Core & Main and how has it evolved since its founding?
  A2: Core & Main is a leading distributor of waterworks, natural gas, and fire protection products in North America, with over 300 locations across the United States and Canada. It was founded in 2017 when HD Supply Waterworks was sold to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. Since its founding, Core & Main has grown rapidly through a combination of strategic acquisitions and organic growth, becoming a major player in the markets it serves.
• Q3: What is the structure and composition of Core & Main's board of directors?
  A3: The Core & Main board of directors consists of eight members, all of whom are independent directors with no material relationship to the company that could compromise their objectivity or independence. The board is chaired by Paul Levy, and is composed of a diverse group of individuals with significant experience in finance, operations, marketing, and other areas.
• Q4: How does the Core & Main board of directors ensure effective risk management and compliance at the company?
  A4: The board of directors takes a proactive approach to risk management and compliance, working closely with the company's management team to identify and address potential risks before they become major issues. Additionally, the board has established committees focused specifically on risk management and audit, further ensuring that these areas are given the attention they deserve. The board also encourages a culture of compliance throughout the organization, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior and accountability at all levels.
• Q5: How does the Core & Main board work with executive management to drive business performance?
  A5: The board of directors works closely with the company's executive management team to ensure that the strategy and goals of the company are aligned with the needs of all stakeholders. Through regular communication and collaboration, the board and management team are able to work together to create long-term value for shareholders and drive the success of the business.