Core & Main Names Susan Hardwick to Board, Updates Executive Chair and Committees
Core & Main names M. Susan Hardwick, former American Water Works CEO and CFO, to its board and compensation committee effective April 1, 2026. Stephen LeClair will retire as executive chair, James Castellano becomes board chair, James Hope chairs the audit committee and Robert Buck joins it.
1. Board Appointment of M. Susan Hardwick
M. Susan Hardwick, who led American Water Works Company as CEO from 2022 to 2025 and served as CFO from 2019 to 2022, will join Core & Main’s board and the talent and compensation committee effective April 1, 2026.
2. Executive Chair Transition
Stephen LeClair will retire as executive chair and board chair on April 1, 2026, and James Castellano, previously the lead independent director, will assume the role of board chair to oversee the company’s governance and strategic direction.
3. Committee Reshuffle and Governance Impacts
James Hope has been appointed chair of the audit committee and Robert Buck has joined the audit committee, expanding Core & Main’s ten-member board—which now includes nine independent directors—to strengthen oversight and support long-term succession planning.