Composites One Announces CEO Transition and Succession Plan, Creation of Chief Commercial Officer Role, and New CFO Appointment

~ October 16, 2024

Press Release
Composites One Announces CEO Transition and Succession Plan, Creation of Chief Commercial Officer Role, and New CFO Appointment

SCHAUMBURG, IL., October 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Composites One announced today that effective December 31, 2025, Leon Garoufalis will transition from Composites One’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Vice Chair of its Board of Directors. Al Dobbeck, currently EVP and Chief Operating Officer (COO), will be promoted to CEO. Steve Dehmlow will continue as Chairman of the Board. This
transition is part of a carefully planned leadership succession strategy to ensure Composites One’s strong commitment to its customers and the composites market for the foreseeable future.

As part of this strategy, Composites One is also pleased to announce the creation of a new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) role, reflecting its commitment to enhancing its customer care capabilities and driving strategic growth. Dave Smith, currently Vice President of Marketing, has been appointed as the CCO, effective immediately, and will lead Sales and Marketing to ensure alignment with Composites One’s strategic goals.

In another critical strategic addition, Composites One is pleased to announce that Brendan Gilboy, most recently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Chamberlain Group, will join the leadership team as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on October 16, 2024.

Al Dobbeck, Chief Executive Officer Designate: Al Dobbeck has been with Composites One since 2011, serving as EVP and COO since February 2022. Al earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Master of Accountancy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Al Dobbeck said, “It is an honor to follow in the footsteps of Leon Garoufalis. I am excited to lead Composites One into the next chapter of growth and innovation. Our commitment to our customers remains steadfast, and I am confident in our team’s ability to help our customers grow their businesses.”

Dave Smith, Chief Commercial Officer: Dave Smith has been an integral part of Composites One since 2008. Over the course of his career, he has driven numerous successful initiatives in various roles, and currently serves as the VP of Marketing. Dave holds a B.B.A. from Michigan State University and has completed executive education programs at the University of Chicago and Ohio State University.

Dave Smith said, “I am excited to lead the integrated Sales and Marketing efforts. Our focus will be positioning our customers for long-term success, which will fuel Composites One’s continued growth. I look forward to collaborating closely with Al and our talented team to achieve our strategic goals.”

Brendan Gilboy, Chief Financial Officer: Brendan Gilboy brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, corporate development, finance, and information technology leadership. For the past 15 years, Brendan served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Chamberlain Group in Oak Brook, IL, the market leader in design, manufacturing, and distribution of residential and commercial access control equipment under the brand names Chamberlain and LiftMaster. Over the course of his career, Brendan has also served as the CFO for Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America and as an audit partner with KPMG. Brendan earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame and is a Certified Public Accountant (registered).

Leon Garoufalis, Vice Chair Designate: Leon Garoufalis has played a pivotal role in Composites One’s growth since its inception in 1999. His 36-year tenure at Composites One (and predecessor company, GLS) is marked by strategic vision, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the Company’s core values and taking great care of customers. Leon will continue to support strategic initiatives and advisory functions in his new role as Vice Chair of the Board.

Leon Garoufalis said, “I am very pleased to pass the baton to Al Dobbeck, whose exceptional leadership and strategic vision will undoubtedly steer Composites One toward new horizons. I will continue to support Al and the team in my new capacity as Vice Chair. Together, we will uphold and enhance our core values, customer focus, and innovative spirit.”

Steve Dehmlow, Chairman of the Board: Steve Dehmlow, representing the third generation of the Dehmlow family’s leadership in the composites industry, added, “This transition marks a significant milestone for Composites One and our family legacy. Leon’s leadership has been transformative, setting a strong foundation for our future. Our succession strategy ensures a seamless transition. Under Al’s guidance, I am confident that Composites One will continue to thrive and innovate, ultimately helping our customers achieve their long-term goals.”

About Composites One: Composites One is the leading supplier of essential materials and technical support services to the North American composites manufacturing industry. With over 40 locations across the U.S. and Canada, Composites One offers the largest product selection for all composite manufacturing needs, supported by innovative technology and industrial solutions.
For more information, visit compositesone.com.