New Exec Director, President at Artisan Group

AUSTIN, Texas – The Artisan Group fabricator network announced a new executive director and a new president today.

Sunil Palakodati, the CEO of Austin-based Architectural Granite & Marble (AGM), is the new executive director, replacing Chad Seiders.

Jon Lancto, hired as a consultant by the Artisan Group last October, now fills the newly created role of president.

Both appointees possess an intimate understanding of the Artisan Group’s vision and goals, and will serve to strengthen the organization’s leadership.

At AGM, Palakodati is responsible for all aspects of the multi-location countertop distribution company. Previously, he served as executive vice president and managing director for Masco, a leader in the building materials industry with brands including KraftMaid Cabinets, Behr Paint, and Delta Faucets.

Palakodati’s business development and operational expertise will be invaluable to Artisan Group as it maintains its status as an elite network of independent countertop professionals.

Lancto is a stone-industry veteran with more than 25 years’ experience in the countertop-fabrication and -installation business. He’s served as an Artisan Group board member, is the founding president of ISFA (International Surface Fabricators Association), and is currently the president of MIA (Marble Institute of America).

“I believe in Artisan Group’s mission, and am honored to lead the charge of strengthening and expanding the group,” Lancto said. “Sunil and I will work together to achieve Artisan Group’s mission and vision.”

With 35 members and growing, Artisan Group covers most U.S. major markets, and can handle a variety of fabrication needs from local to national in scale. Its members average more than 20 years of countertop-fabrication experience, and all Artisan Group members have achieved, or have begun the process to achieve, full accreditation with the Marble Institute of America.

Brands of the Artisan Group include Aventine Quartz, Exotic & Classic Granite & Marble, and Saratoga Soapstone. It also offers Heritage Wood surfacing products.

For more information, visit www.artisan-counters.com and facebook.com/ArtisanGroupCountertops.

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