This July, Beacon Roofing Supply announced that the replacement of current CEO – Paul Isabella would be Julian Francis. This past February, Isabella announced his departure from Beacon, but stated he would remain active in his position until a successor was selected. 

Francis is expected to assume his duties as President and CEO on September 1st, but everyone here at Building Empires Media wanted to address what we believe is an interesting question- an elephant in the room of sorts. 

Can Julian Francis fill the shoes of Paul Isabella?

Julian Francis has been serving as president of the insulation division at Owens Corning since October of 2014. With many successes in his time there, he definitely does seem qualified- but shareholders of Beacon have seen some amazing successes in Isabella’s 9 years as CEO at Beacon (acquired position in 2010). They’ve seen shares double over his time from approximately $18 per share in 2010, to just over $36 per shares today.

Isabella has also brought much recognition to the organization with multiple placements in the ProSales Top 100 List as well as the #3 spot in the 2019 ProSales Top 100. They were able to achieve this on the back of a 58.60% revenue increase in a single year. This was an increase of over $2.5 billion dollars from one calendar year to the next! Many will argue that the increase was on the back of the $2.62 billion dollar acquisition of Allied Building Products (2018). But regardless of how you look at it, growth is growth, and Beacon has become a powerhouse in these recent years.

Isabella is exiting amiably according to many statements given by Robert R. Buck, Beacon’s Chairman, saying that “He has been a valued leader to our management team, especially through our recent transformative acquisitions of RSG and Allied”. The plan is that Isabella will remain as an outside adviser after his departure, but only time will tell how well this works out.

One thing Francis has going for him, is that he is entering an organization that is happy to have him. “We are enthusiastic to have Julian join Beacon as our President and CEO and a member of our Board of Directors,” said Robert R. Buck, Beacon’s Chairman. “Julian brings a unique blend of executive and operational experience, strong industry reputation and knowledge, and a strategic vision that set him apart from other candidates in our national search.”

We wish Francis and the Beacon organization much success in the coming years. One thing we know for sure is that the shareholders and building community as a whole will have our eye on what next moves this leading company will make in the near future.