GAF Taps Veteran Dan Karins to Lead Commercial Sales, Signals Continuity

PARSIPPANY, N.J. – April 27, 2026 – GAF, North America's largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, has announced a significant leadership transition in its commercial division, appointing 20-year company veteran Dan Karins to lead its full Commercial Sales business. The move signals a focus on strategic continuity as he succeeds Alma Garnett, who will transition from her daily responsibilities at the end of 2026 to a long-term strategic advisory role.

In his expanded role, Karins will oversee the strategic management and growth of the entire commercial sales operation. The appointment is effective immediately and represents a carefully planned succession designed to maintain the division's strong momentum. Karins and Garnett have worked in close partnership for several years, a period marked by significant growth for the GAF Commercial business through strengthened customer relationships and an expanded product portfolio.

A Strategic Handover for Market Momentum

This leadership change is not an abrupt shift but a deliberate, long-term handover. GAF leadership emphasized the seamless nature of the transition, designed to ensure stability and build upon recent successes. Alma Garnett, who joined the company in 2021, will remain actively involved throughout the remainder of 2026 to support the transfer of responsibilities before moving into her advisory capacity in 2027.

"Alma's impact on GAF and the broader roofing industry cannot be overstated," said John Barkhouse, CEO and President of GAF. "She joined us with a reputation for excellence that has been instrumental in growing our Commercial business." Barkhouse also highlighted the strength of the internal succession, noting Karins' deep roots within the company. "Over Dan's 20-plus years at GAF, he has earned the deep respect of our customers through his tenacity and proven ability to advance our Commercial business. His leadership will be vital as we continue to build on the organization's strong momentum."

The collaborative foundation built by the two leaders is a central theme of the transition. Karins himself praised his predecessor's influence. "Alma has been a great mentor and phenomenal partner in building a world-class foundation for GAF Commercial," he stated. "I am eager to lead our team as we continue to set the standard for excellence and ensure GAF remains the most trusted partner in the commercial roofing industry."

Navigating a Dynamic Commercial Roofing Landscape

Karins takes the helm at a pivotal time for the commercial roofing industry, which is experiencing rapid evolution. The North American roofing market, valued at over $26 billion in 2024, is projected to grow steadily, driven by both new construction and a dominant re-roofing sector. However, this growth is accompanied by significant shifts in market demands. Sustainability has moved from a niche interest to a core requirement, with growing demand for energy-efficient cool roofs, green roofing systems, and solar-ready solutions.

GAF has been actively positioning itself to meet these demands through consistent innovation. Karins will now oversee a portfolio that includes cutting-edge products like EnergyGuard NH, a line of polyiso insulation made without certain halogenated flame retardants, and the industry's first primerless, self-adhered TPO cover tape, designed to reduce labor time and complexity. These products reflect a broader strategy to expand offerings while focusing on performance and sustainability.

Beyond materials, the industry faces challenges from skilled labor shortages and supply chain volatility. In response, GAF has invested in digital tools to enhance efficiency for its contractor partners. These include the 'BuildYourRoof' online design tool and an exclusive partnership with the CRM platform ServiceTitan, which integrates GAF's measurement services to streamline project management. Karins' leadership will be crucial in steering the commercial division through this competitive landscape, where established players like Carlisle SynTec and Holcim Building Envelope also vie for market leadership.

Building on a Legacy of Growth and Mentorship

Alma Garnett's tenure, though relatively brief since her start in 2021, is credited with making a substantial impact. She arrived at GAF with a distinguished career, including her time as president of Convoy Supply and as the founder of Hunter Panels, a company known for its innovative polyisocyanurate insulation products and customer service. This reputation for excellence was a key factor in her mandate to drive strategic growth at GAF Commercial.

Under her leadership, and in partnership with Karins, the division focused on building a sustainable foundation for the future. Her contributions extended beyond sales figures to include fostering a culture of mentorship and industry advancement. She is a founding member of Women in Roofing (WinR) and has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to the construction industry.

"It has been a privilege to lead such a talented team and to work alongside our customers to advance the roofing industry," Garnett commented on her tenure. "I am incredibly proud of what we have built." Her confidence in her successor is clear and reinforces the narrative of a well-orchestrated transition. "Having worked closely with Dan for years, I have seen firsthand his dedication to our partners and his vision for the business. GAF Commercial is in the best possible hands as I transition into this next chapter."

The Road Ahead: Innovation and Customer Focus

With over two decades of experience within GAF, most recently as Vice President of Southwest Commercial Sales, Dan Karins brings a deep understanding of the company's products, culture, and customer base to his new role. His leadership is expected to blend this institutional knowledge with a continued push for innovation and market expansion.

His immediate agenda will involve steering the division through strategic initiatives like the implementation of a National Price List, a move designed to simplify pricing structures and enhance predictability for its partners. This aligns with his stated goal of ensuring GAF remains the "most trusted partner" in the industry.

Looking forward, Karins will be responsible for a division that is aggressively expanding its portfolio, particularly in high-performance PVC products and systems designed for mission-critical facilities like data centers. He will also champion GAF's broader sustainability goals, which include innovations like the RoofCycle™ process for asphalt shingle recycling and EcoDark™ granule technology. By entrusting its commercial future to a leader with a proven track record of customer focus and internal advancement, GAF is reinforcing its strategy of leveraging deep industry expertise to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern construction market.