Cornerstone Building Brands Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cornerstone Building Brands has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, information systems, finance, human resources, operations, and legal affairs.

Focused on delivering high-quality exterior building products, Cornerstone Building Brands drives innovation across North American residential and commercial construction markets to enhance structural integrity and aesthetic value.

Leadership Roles at Cornerstone Building Brands

  • Chief Executive Officer - Gunner Smith
  • Chairman, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer - John Krenicki
  • Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Shelter Solutions - Stephen DeAngelis
  • Senior VP, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer, BU - Jeffery Hayter
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Robert Burns
  • Chief Technology Officer - Michael Gemza
  • Chief Information Officer - Ram Manukonda
  • Chief Technology Officer & Technology Portfolio Manager - Manuel Ali
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Michael Pulcanio
  • Executive VP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary - Alena Brenner
  • Gunner Smith - Chief Executive Officer

    Gunner Smith, the Chief Executive Officer at Cornerstone Building Brands, directs the overarching corporate strategy for the organization. Smith manages the expansion of exterior building product manufacturing across North American markets. By aligning production capabilities with residential and commercial demand, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent market growth. Smith collaborates with the Board to refine long-term objectives while maintaining operational excellence. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of industry trends to maintain a competitive edge in the repair and remodel sectors. Through rigorous oversight of business units, Gunner Smith optimizes resource allocation to maximize shareholder value. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on sustainable manufacturing practices that support the broader mission of the company. Ultimately, Smith drives the strategic vision that positions the organization as a leader in the building materials industry.
    Gunner Smith

    John Krenicki - Chairman, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer

    John Krenicki, the Chairman, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer at Cornerstone Building Brands, governs the executive board and directs immediate operational priorities. Krenicki oversees the transition of leadership initiatives while maintaining stability across all manufacturing divisions. By focusing on the integration of residential and commercial product lines, the Chairman, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization meets complex market demands. Krenicki coordinates with senior leadership to streamline decision-making processes and improve organizational agility. This role involves evaluating current business performance against long-term financial targets to ensure sustained profitability. John Krenicki provides the necessary guidance to navigate the evolving landscape of North American construction. Through active engagement with stakeholders, the Chairman, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer secures the foundation for future growth. Krenicki maintains a disciplined approach to corporate governance and operational efficiency.

    Stephen DeAngelis - Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Shelter Solutions

    Stephen DeAngelis, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Shelter Solutions at Cornerstone Building Brands, directs the financial planning and analysis for the shelter business segment. DeAngelis oversees capital budgeting and cost management to ensure the profitability of residential building products. By monitoring financial performance metrics, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Shelter Solutions identifies opportunities for margin expansion. DeAngelis collaborates with operational leaders to align spending with production targets across North American markets. This role involves managing financial risks and ensuring compliance with corporate reporting standards. Stephen DeAngelis drives the development of fiscal strategies that support the long-term sustainability of the shelter division. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Shelter Solutions provides the data necessary for informed strategic decisions. DeAngelis maintains a focus on optimizing cash flow to support ongoing innovation in building materials.

    Jeffery Hayter - Senior VP, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer, BU

    Jeffery Hayter, the Senior VP, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer, BU at Cornerstone Building Brands, directs the financial operations for specific business units. Hayter oversees the preparation of financial statements and the analysis of unit-level performance. By managing budgets and forecasting, the Senior VP, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer, BU ensures that each business unit meets its financial obligations. Hayter collaborates with unit managers to identify cost-saving measures and revenue growth opportunities. This role involves providing financial guidance to support strategic initiatives within the manufacturing divisions. Jeffery Hayter drives the development of financial models that assess the viability of new product lines. Through the oversight of business unit finance, the Senior VP, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer, BU maintains the fiscal health of the organization. Hayter ensures that financial reporting is accurate and supports the long-term goals of the company.

    Robert Burns - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Robert Burns, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Cornerstone Building Brands, manages the daily manufacturing and supply chain operations. Burns oversees the production facilities to ensure the timely delivery of exterior building products to residential and commercial customers. By optimizing manufacturing workflows, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer improves throughput and reduces operational costs. Burns coordinates with logistics teams to maintain a robust distribution network across North America. This role involves monitoring production quality and ensuring adherence to safety standards in all facilities. Robert Burns drives the implementation of lean manufacturing principles to enhance overall efficiency. Through the oversight of operational performance, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer supports the company's ability to meet market demand. Burns ensures that the supply chain remains responsive to the needs of the repair and remodel sectors.

    Michael Gemza - Chief Technology Officer

    Michael Gemza, the Chief Technology Officer at Cornerstone Building Brands, architects the digital infrastructure required for advanced manufacturing processes. Gemza oversees the implementation of automated systems that enhance the production of exterior building products. By integrating cutting-edge software solutions, the Chief Technology Officer improves operational efficiency across North American facilities. Gemza collaborates with engineering teams to develop proprietary technologies that differentiate the company in the competitive construction market. This leadership role involves managing the lifecycle of technical assets to ensure reliability and scalability. Michael Gemza drives the adoption of data-driven insights to optimize supply chain logistics and product quality. Through the modernization of internal platforms, the Chief Technology Officer supports the broader digital transformation goals of the organization. Gemza ensures that technological investments align with the specific needs of residential and commercial customers.
    Michael Gemza

    Ram Manukonda - Chief Information Officer

    Ram Manukonda, the Chief Information Officer at Cornerstone Building Brands, manages the enterprise-wide data architecture and cybersecurity frameworks. Manukonda oversees the secure flow of information across all regional operations to ensure business continuity. By deploying robust network solutions, the Chief Information Officer protects critical intellectual property and customer data. Manukonda coordinates with department heads to align information technology initiatives with the strategic goals of the organization. This role involves optimizing cloud-based systems to support the manufacturing and distribution of exterior building products. Ram Manukonda drives the integration of advanced analytics to improve decision-making speed and accuracy. Through the management of complex IT ecosystems, the Chief Information Officer enables seamless communication between corporate headquarters and field operations. Manukonda ensures that the technological foundation remains resilient against evolving digital threats while supporting the growth of the company.

    Manuel Ali - Chief Technology Officer & Technology Portfolio Manager

    Manuel Ali, the Chief Technology Officer & Technology Portfolio Manager at Cornerstone Building Brands, manages the strategic roadmap for the company's technology investments. Ali oversees the evaluation and selection of new manufacturing technologies that enhance product performance. By balancing the technology portfolio, the Chief Technology Officer & Technology Portfolio Manager ensures that resources are allocated to high-impact innovation projects. Ali collaborates with research and development teams to translate technical concepts into market-ready exterior building products. This role involves assessing the competitive landscape to identify emerging trends in construction technology. Manuel Ali drives the implementation of specialized tools that improve manufacturing precision and reduce waste. Through the management of the technology portfolio, the Chief Technology Officer & Technology Portfolio Manager supports the company's commitment to quality and efficiency. Ali ensures that all technical initiatives contribute directly to the overall market impact of the organization.

    Michael Pulcanio - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Michael Pulcanio, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Cornerstone Building Brands, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Pulcanio oversees the cultivation of a high-performance culture across all North American manufacturing sites. By implementing comprehensive training programs, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce possesses the skills necessary for modern construction product manufacturing. Pulcanio collaborates with leadership to align human capital strategies with the broader business objectives of the company. This role involves managing employee relations and fostering an environment of safety and inclusion. Michael Pulcanio drives initiatives that improve retention and attract top-tier talent to the organization. Through the oversight of compensation and benefits, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer supports the well-being of the entire workforce. Pulcanio ensures that organizational structure remains optimized for growth and operational success.
    Michael Pulcanio

    Alena Brenner - Executive VP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

    Alena Brenner, the Executive VP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at Cornerstone Building Brands, directs the legal affairs and corporate governance functions. Brenner oversees compliance with regulatory requirements across all North American operations. By managing legal risks, the Executive VP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary protects the interests of the organization in the construction market. Brenner coordinates with the Board to ensure that corporate policies align with legal standards and ethical practices. This role involves overseeing contract negotiations and managing litigation matters. Alena Brenner drives the development of governance frameworks that support transparent decision-making. Through the oversight of legal and secretarial duties, the Executive VP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary ensures that the company operates within the bounds of the law. Brenner maintains a focus on mitigating potential liabilities while supporting the strategic growth of the business.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Building Materials

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cornerstone Building Brands Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cornerstone Building Brands?
    Cornerstone Building Brands is led by Gunner Smith (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Krenicki (Chairman, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer) and Stephen DeAngelis (Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Shelter Solutions).
    Who is part of Cornerstone Building Brands’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cornerstone Building Brands includes leaders such as Gunner Smith (Chief Executive Officer), John Krenicki (Chairman, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer), Stephen DeAngelis (Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Shelter Solutions) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cornerstone Building Brands have?
    Cornerstone Building Brands has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cornerstone Building Brands’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cornerstone Building Brands includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer, Senior VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Shelter Solutions, Senior VP, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer, BU, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.