New CEO for Cabinetworks, Largest Privately-held U.S. Cabinetmaker

Ann Arbor, MI—Cabinetworks Group, the second-largest U.S. kitchen cabinetry manufacturer, named John Barkhouse as CEO.

Barkhouse succeeds interim CEO Christian Cook, a managing director at Platinum Equity, which acquired Cabinetworks in April 2021 from American Industrial Partners. AIP formed Cabinetworks Group by merging Masco and the former Armstrong Cabinets.

“John’s track record leading large-scale transformation initiatives across a broad range of industries makes him the ideal fit to lead Cabinetworks into our next phase of growth,” says Cook.

Before joining Cabinetworks, Barkhouse held leadership roles with Caterpillar, Newalta Corporation, Clarios, and Brookfield Asset Management. He led oilfield services company Newalta through the most significant oil crash in history and transformed the company from a transactional-oriented service company to an integrated solutions provider. Most recently, as chairman and CEO of automotive supplier Clarios, Barkhouse led the creation of a newly carved out company, establishing the strategy and values of the organization while navigating it through COVID-19 to record results. His LinkedIn profile identifies him as CEO in Residence for Brookfield Asset Management.

Barkhouse has extensive experience transforming and growing companies through service and manufacturing innovation, operational excellence, and teamwork. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Bradley University and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Dalhousie University. While he will be traveling regularly throughout the Cabinetworks network, Barkhouse and his family will relocate to Michigan.

Cabinetworks is the largest independently owned manufacturer and distributor of kitchen and bath cabinetry in the United States under the nation’s leading brands, including KraftMaid®, Medallion®, Smart®, Merillat®, Yorktowne®, Echelon®, Advanta®, Studio Full Access™, Master WoodCraft™, and Cabinets 2000. The company produces both framed and frameless cabinetry, operating out of fourteen assembly plants and three component facilities, and serves customers through a multi-channel approach, including sales to dealers, home centers, and distributors across the United States.

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