John Kufner
About John Kufner
John Kufner serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Kite, bringing extensive experience in supply chain management and procurement from previous roles at companies such as Therma Tru, Masonite International, and Bain Capital.
Current Role at Kite
John Kufner serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Kite, a position he has held since 2023. In this role, he focuses on leveraging Kite's technology team to develop an efficient platform for in-house capabilities and value creation. His leadership emphasizes the importance of data storytelling to articulate a compelling vision, strategy, and change management plan.
Previous Experience in Supply Chain Management
Kufner has extensive experience in supply chain management across various organizations. He worked at Bain Capital as Managing Director of Supply Chain, Procurement, and Operations from 2020 to 2023. Prior to that, he held the role of Head of Global Supply Chain at Owens Corning for both the Roofing and Insulation Divisions between 2017 and 2020. His tenure at Masonite International included serving as Vice President of Global Strategic Sourcing/Procurement from 2011 to 2016.
Education and Expertise
John Kufner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He furthered his education by obtaining an MBA with a focus on Finance and Marketing from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. His academic background supports his expertise in supply chain management and strategic sourcing.
Background in the Industry
Kufner's career spans over two decades in various leadership roles within the supply chain and procurement sectors. He began his career at Therma Tru, where he served as Plant Manager and later as Product Line General Manager for Door Systems. His experience also includes significant roles at First Solar and Owens Corning, contributing to his diverse background that enhances his ability to foster cross-disciplinary teamwork.
Values and Interests
John Kufner emphasizes the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in supply chain management. He prioritizes reducing carbon footprints and promoting innovation in materials. Outside of his professional commitments, he enjoys traveling with his family, with notable destinations including Bora Bora, Austria, Ireland, and Greece.