Composites One announces CEO transition and succession plan

On Oct. 16, Composites One (Schaumburg, Ill., U.S.) announced that Leon Garoufalis will transition from Composites One’s CEO to vice chair of its board of directors, effective Dec. 31, 2025. Al Dobbeck, currently EVP and COO, will be promoted to CEO. Steve Dehmlow will continue as chairman of the board. This transition is part of a carefully planned leadership succession strategy to ensure Composites One’s strong commitment to its customers and the composites market for the foreseeable future.

Garoufalis has played a pivotal role in Composites One's growth since its inception in 1999. His 36-year tenure at Composites One (and predecessor company, GLS) is marked by strategic vision, dedication and commitment to the company’s core values and taking great care of customers. Garoufalis will continue to support strategic initiatives and advisory functions in his new role as vice chair of the board.

“I am pleased to pass the baton to Al Dobbeck, whose leadership and strategic vision will undoubtedly steer Composites One toward new horizons,” Garoufalis says. “I will continue to support Al and the team in my new capacity as vice chair. Together, we will uphold and enhance our core values, customer focus and innovative spirit.”

Dobbeck has been with Composites One since 2011, serving as EVP and COO since February 2022. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a masters of accountancy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. “It is an honor to follow in the footsteps of Leon Garoufalis,” Dobbeck adds. “I am excited to lead Composites One into the next chapter of growth and innovation.”

Dehmlow adds that this transition between Garioufalis and Dobbeck “marks a milestone for Composites One and our family legacy. Leon’s leadership has been transformative, setting a strong foundation for our future. Our succession strategy ensures a seamless transition. Under Al’s guidance, I am confident that Composites One will continue to thrive and innovate, ultimately helping our customers achieve their long-term goals.”

As part of this strategy, the company also announce the creation of a new CCO role, reflecting its commitment to enhancing its customer care capabilities and driving strategic growth. Dave Smith, currently VP of marketing, has been appointed as the CCO, effective immediately, and will lead sales and marketing to ensure alignment with Composites One’s strategic goals.

Smith has been an integral part of Composites One since 2008. Over the course of his career, he has driven numerous successful initiatives in various roles. He holds a B.B.A. from Michigan State University and has completed executive education programs at the University of Chicago and Ohio State University. In his new role, Smith looks forward to positioning Composites One’s customers for long-term success.

Lastly, in another critical strategic addition, Composites One’s Brendan Gilboy, most recently executive VP and CFO of The Chamberlain Group, will join the leadership team as CFO on Oct. 16, 2024.

Gilboy brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, corporate development, finance and information technology leadership. For the past 15 years, Brendan served as executive VP and CFO of The Chamberlain Group based in Illinois, a company specializing in the design, manufacturing and distribution of residential and commercial access control equipment under the brand names Chamberlain and LiftMaster. Over the course of his career, Gilboy has also served as the CFO for Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America and as an audit partner with KPMG. He earned a bachelors in business administration from the University of Notre Dame and is a Certified Public Accountant (registered).