November 6, 2014

Tokyo-based LIXIL Corporation announced a new global operating model with four core technology business units to further globalize the business. The most notable change will be the creation of LIXIL Water Technology Group (LWTG), which integrates the worldwide sanitary ware business of the LIXIL Group, including the GROHE Group and American Standard Brands, effective April 1, 2015.

This move will create a global market leader and a platform in the international sanitary ware market with sales of around $6 billion and earnings of around 10 percent operating profit, as well as approximately 27,000 employees.

David J. Haines, chairman and CEO of the GROHE Group, will take over as CEO of LIXIL Water Technology Group in addition to his responsibilities to date. He will be supported by a management team that includes American Standard Brands president and CEO Jay D. Gould and Gould’s leadership team.

The GROHE, American Standard, JOYOU and LIXIL/Inax brands will remain independent, and their own proven management teams will continue to run their businesses and organizations. Going forward, LWTG will establish four sales territories of Japan, EMEA, the Americas and Asia with primary responsibility for the different brands.

“This decision strengthens our global sanitary ware business and links our leading brands in all important regions of the world into a powerful and highly efficient global unit, particularly in purchasing and production, as well as research and development,” said Yoshiaki Fujimori, president and CEO of the LIXIL Group. “We are proud to be creating a new global market leader under the leadership of David J. Haines.”