Infrastructure supplies distributor Core & Main announced changes to its board of directors and executive chair on March 30, with those changes effective April 1 as part of the company’s long-term succession planning.

The St. Louis-based company said Stephan LeClair has retired from his role as executive chair and board chairman and is succeeded by James Castellano — the company’s former lead independent director.

LeClair was Core & Main’s CEO and member of the board from the time the company became independent in 2017 through March 2025 and was board chair since 2024.

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“On behalf of the board of Core & Main, I would like to thank Steve for his many years of service to the organization,” Castellano said in a news release. “His leadership played an important role in positioning the company for success, and we wish him well in retirement.”

Core & Main was carved out of HD Supply in 2017 by Clayton, Dublier & Rice and went public via an IPO in 2021. CD&R then divested its remaining stake in the company in early 2024.

Additionally, Core & Main’s board appointed M. Susan Hardwick as a director and as a member of the talent and compensation committee. She most recently served as CEO of American Water Works Company from 2022 to 2025, and previously served as its CFO from 2019 to 2022. She has extensive executive leadership experience in the regulated utility industry, with a background in finance, capital allocation and strategic transactions.

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In connection with Hardwick’s appointment, James Hope was named chair of Core & Main’s audit committee and Robert Buck was appointed as a member of the audit committee.

“Susan brings valuable leadership experience in the water industry to Core & Main’s board, which will be instrumental as we continue to execute our growth strategy,” said Mark Witkowski, CEO of Core & Main. “Her perspective and experience will further strengthen the board as we advance our strategic priorities.”

Hardwick becomes the ninth independent director on Core & Main’s 10-member Board. In addition to Hardwick, Castellano and Hope, independent directors include Bhavani Amirthalingam, Robert Buck, Dennis Gipson, Orvin Kimbrough, Kathleen Mazzarella and Margaret Newman.