HERNDON, Va.- Beacon Roofing Supply has named Julian Francis its new president, CEO and member of the board of directors.

Francis, 53, spent the last five years as president of the insulation division at Owens Corning, which generated more than $2.7 billion in revenue last year.

“We are enthusiastic to have Julian join Beacon as our president and CEO and a member of our board of directors," said Robert R. Buck, Beacon's chairman, in a written statement. “Julian brings a unique blend of executive and operational experience, strong industry reputation and knowledge, and a strategic vision that set him apart from other candidates in our national search. His most recent major leadership role and outstanding performance at a public company as well regarded as Owens Corning positions him well to lead Beacon to even greater heights in growth and profitability. I am thrilled to welcome him to Beacon.”

Francis earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and doctorate in materials engineering from Swansea University in the United Kingdom. He also earned a master’s degree in business administration at DePaul University.

“I am extremely excited,” Francis said in the same news release. “I have closely observed Beacon’s exceptional growth in becoming the industry’s leading distributor, and I have admired Beacon’s reputation with customers and suppliers and for having hard working and dedicated employees.”

In an 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (a required filing for publicly traded companies when major events occur that shareholders should know about), the company noted that Francis is expected to start in September.

Beacon announced in February that CEO Paul Isabella would be leaving the company this year. He pledged to stay on board until a successor was named and will also be part of transition process.

Isabella was appointed CEO in 2011 after serving as president and COO starting in 2007. The company currently has more than 500 branches nationwide and annually generates more than $4 billion.

Francis noted Beacon is a leader in innovation in a growing industry and has the scale, resources and commitment to remain at the forefront.

“I join Beacon at a time of tremendous future growth opportunity,” he said. “I look forward to helping lead Beacon’s team as we drive to future success for our shareholders.”