Lorberbaum Presented with Leonardo International Prize by Italy’s President

 

CALHOUN, Ga. March 2, 2017 - Mohawk Industries’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Lorberbaum was awarded the 2017 Leonardo International Prize by Italian President Sergio Mattarella during a March 2 ceremony at Rome’s historic Quirinal Palace.

Bestowed each year by Italy’s Leonardo Committee, the Leonardo International Prize spotlights individuals who have distinguished themselves by facilitating cultural and business partnerships between their native countries and Italy.

“I am honored to receive this award on behalf of our entire team,” Lorberbaum said. “This special recognition reflects the outstanding work being done throughout our company by thousands of talented, dedicated people. Everyone at Mohawk is delighted to be a part of the Italian business community, and I am grateful to the Leonardo Committee and President Mattarella for promoting an environment where businesses can flourish.”

In 2013, Mohawk Industries acquired the Marazzi Group, one of the leading international Italian-based ceramic manufacturers. During the past four years, the company has invested substantially in technology to create innovative products and expand production capacity at Marazzi’s three Italian facilities.

The award citation praised Mohawk Industries as “an example of how foreign investments can strengthen international competitiveness and the innovation of Italian companies.”

With the patronage of the President of the Italian Republic, the Leonardo Prizes represent one of the most prestigious initiatives promoted by the Leonardo Committee, rewarding the talent of companies, entrepreneurs, managers and cultural leaders who give national and international prominence to the “Made in Italy” program.

Comprised of more than 160 individuals including entrepreneurs, artists, scientists and cultural leaders, the Leonardo Committee was established in 1993 by Confindustria and ICE (the Italian Trade Agency) with the goal of advancing and affirming the virtues of Italian culture and manufacturing throughout the world.

Lorberbaum was unable to attend the award ceremony due to prior commitments. The award was accepted on his behalf by Chris Wellborn, Mohawk Industries’ president and chief operating officer and head of the company’s Global Ceramic Segment, and Marazzi CEO, Mauro Vandini.

About Mohawk
Mohawk Industries is the leading global flooring manufacturer that creates products to enhance residential and commercial spaces around the world. Mohawk’s vertically integrated manufacturing and distribution processes provide competitive advantages in the production of carpet, rugs, ceramic tile, laminate, wood, stone and vinyl flooring. Our industry-leading innovation has yielded products and technologies that differentiate our brands in the marketplace and satisfy all remodeling and new construction requirements. Our brands are among the most recognized in the industry and include American Olean, Daltile, Durkan, Karastan, Marazzi, Mohawk, Mohawk Group, Pergo, Unilin, Quick-Step and IVC. During the past decade, Mohawk has transformed its business from an American carpet manufacturer into the world’s largest flooring company with operations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, India, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia and the United States.