Hardwoods Distribution Inc. (HDI) has announced executive leadership appointments effective in August 2018. HDI operates a North American network of 61 industry distribution centers conducting business as Hardwoods Specialty Products, the Frank Paxton Lumber Co., and Rugby Architectural Building Products.
Drew Dickinson is appointed to the position of president, Rugby. Mr. Dickinson has been the chief operating officer of Rugby for the past eight years, and has over 25 years of industry and progressive management experience with Rugby operations. “Drew brings a wealth of strategic, operational and financial expertise and has been instrumental to its success,” comments Rob Brown, president and CEO of HDI. “He is an exceptional leader and knows how to capitalize on the exciting opportunities we see ahead for the Rugby business”.
Mr. Dickinson succeeds David Hughes, Rugby’s previous president. Mr. Hughes will assume new duties with HDI in the capacity of senior vice president, acquisitions. In this role, Mr. Hughes will remain part of the executive team of HDI but focus primarily on executing its acquisition strategy. “Dave did an exceptional job building up and running the Rugby business, a business that grew significantly through acquisitions after acquiring 17 companies in a six year span,” Mr. Brown adds. “There exists a significant M&A opportunity in our industry which remains highly fragmented. We have a well-developed acquisitions pipeline and the financial capacity to execute on it. Dave is uniquely positioned to lead this effort on behalf of all of our HDI distribution brands.”