As CEO of SENCO, Ben Johansen drives the vision and strategy for the company and is responsible for ensuring all elements of the organization are working in concert to execute against clear objectives. Since joining SENCO in January 2010, Ben and his team have stabilized and restored confidence in the company both internally and externally, returned the business to growth and double digit EBITA performance, and laid the groundwork for expansion.
Ben singles out five key accomplishments for the “new” SENCO:
- Increased sales – up 40% since 2010 – with double digit profit levels
- Enhanced organizational focus driven by standard processes, metrics and reporting tools, including a new ERP system
- Greater alignment around key performance goals incentivized by variable compensation programs for all employees
- International expansion including major commercial investments in China and acquisitions in New Zealand and Denmark
- Significant distribution gains at Lowe’s, Menards and PlaceMakers (New Zealand)
Critical to these successes has been more a confident SENCO team of employees, suppliers and customers, the key to any turnaround. Ben has significant experience as a motivator and change agent. Prior to joining SENCO, he led a series of similar restructurings, first as President of the Global DIY Electrical Business of Actuant Corporation, then as President of the Sure-Line division of Newel Rubbermaid and, most recently as President the Goody Products Division of the same company.
Ben holds a B.A. in Marketing and an M.A. in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from California State University at Hayward. In his spare time, he and his wife enjoy home renovation projects.