Beacon to seek general counsel successor

Nasdaq-listed Beacon Roofing Supply’s Ross Cooper will this year shift from his role as executive vice president and general counsel to become a special adviser focusing on business strategy and growth initiatives at the company.

Cooper will expand his role on the faculty of the Kogod School of Business at American University, where he has been an adjunct professor of business law since 2018. He will help in the search for his successor as general counsel and help with the transition, according to Beacon.

Cooper joined Beacon in 2006 as its first general counsel having previously represented Beacon and other roofing distribution companies for a decade as outside litigation counsel. During his tenure he has been responsible for all of Beacon’s legal matters including corporate governance, acquisitions, contracts, SEC reporting, labor and employment, leasing and litigation management.

He has guided the company through 35 acquisitions as Beacon has grown from having 150 branches and roughly $1.5 billion in sales to having more than 500 locations across the US and Canada and $7 billion in sales.

‘Ross’s deep knowledge of the building materials industry, legal acumen and negotiating and problem-solving skills have been instrumental to Beacon’s growth and success during his tenure as general counsel,’ says Beacon president and CEO Julian Francis in a statement. ‘He will continue to bring tremendous insight and experience to his students at Kogod while remaining a key contributor to Beacon’s future plans.’

‘I feel extremely privileged to have served as Beacon’s first general counsel and for the opportunity to provide advice and counsel to Beacon’s employees, leadership team and board of directors,’ says Cooper in announcing his move.