David Wootton, an industry veteran with close to 20 years of experience including as the former president of Columbia Flooring and Harris-Tarkett, has joined the Floor Covering Institute as a faculty member. In his new role, he will offer assistance to businesses on strategic development and global sourcing, turnarounds, and mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, he will work with corporations to strengthen their strategic teams, networks and key personnel.

“David’s international business experience is valuable to the Institute because many of our clients are international or want to be,” said Jim Gould, president of the Floor Covering Institute. “I have known David since he came to the U.S. nearly two decades ago.  His experience with domestic and international acquisitions, manufacturing and multiple business disciplines fits well with the kinds of issues our clients face and he is a welcome addition to our faculty.”

Wootton, who is also principal of his own consulting firm The Wootton Group LLC, is credited with substantially growing the hardwood businesses of Harris-Tarkett and Columbia Flooring. As president of Harris-Tarkett, he led efforts to expand the company’s manufacturing capabilities and distribution network in the ‘90s, and helped Harris-Tarkett become the third-largest hardwood manufacturer in the U.S. After taking the reigns of Columbia Flooring in 1999, a newly launched hardwood division of Columbia Forest Products, Wootton helped transform the company into the second-largest hardwood flooring manufacturer in the U.S. Mohawk purchased the company last year.

A British native, Wootton holds a degree in Business Studies from Sheffield College of Commerce and Technology (UK), speaks English, French and German, and maintains offices in both the U.S. and the UK.