Richard Manoogian, who spent nearly five decades helping lead Masco Corp. as it grew from a relatively small company into a multibillion-dollar home improvement products business, died on Friday, Sept. 25, at age 90, the Livonia-based company announced.
Manoogian, the son of Alex and Marie Manoogian, joined Masco in 1958. His father, an Armenian immigrant who founded the company, brought the single-handle Delta faucet to market.
The younger Manoogian joined Masco’s board in 1964 and was named president and chief operating officer in 1968. According to the company, he developed an expansion strategy in his twenties that helped drive Masco’s growth into the building and home improvement industries. From 1960 to 1980, the company acquired more than
100 businesses under his leadership.
Manoogian became chairman and CEO in 1985. He stepped down as CEO in 2007 after almost 50 years with the company and became executive chairman. Masco said annual sales stood at $55 million when Manoogian joined and exceeded $8 billion by the time he ended his tenure as CEO. He was named chairman emeritus in 2012.
He served on Masco’s board, including more than 27 years as chairman. The company credits him with guiding its expansion and transformations into a global manufacturer and distributor of branded home improvement and building products.
“There are not enough words to adequately recognize the lifelong accomplishments, contributions and impact of Richard Manoogian," said Jon Nudi, president and CEO of Masco Corp. "Richard lived a long, successful life and leaves behind a legacy from his role at Masco and as a philanthropist, renowned art collector and community leader. His integrity, his commitment to excellence and respect and care for each person will forever be a part of Masco.”
Manoogian also devoted resources and time to community causes. Instead of flowers, the company said memorial donations may be made to the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School, St. John’s Armenian Church and the Mackinac Island Community Foundation’s Richard and Jane Manoogian Fund for the Conservation and Preservation of Open Spaces.
Masco is headquartered in Livonia and owns brands including Behr, Delta, Hansgrohe, Liberty and HotSpring.
No funeral/service arrangements have been made yet. Manoogian is survived by his loving wife, Jane, his three children and five grandchildren.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Richard Manoogian, longtime Masco leader and philanthropist, dies at 90
