On Feb. 19, Matthews International Corp. announced the appointment of J. Michael Nauman (pictured at top) as chairman of the board of directors following the company’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, marking a key leadership transition as the organization continues executing its long-term strategic transformation, according to a news release.
Nauman succeeds Alvaro Garcia-Tunon, who is retiring after more than a decade of service on the board, including his tenure as chairman. First appointed to the Matthews Board of Directors in February 2025, Nauman brings more than 35 years of commercial, strategic and financial leadership experience. He previously served as president, chief executive officer, and director of Brady Corporation and held leadership roles at Molex Incorporated, Ohio Associated Enterprises and Arthur Andersen & Co.
“Michael brings incredible technical expertise, M&A experience, and leadership abilities that will benefit the company as we continue repositioning Matthews,” said Joe Bartolacci, president and CEO of Matthews. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside him and our fellow Board members as we guide Matthews for more sustainable growth and long-term value creation.”
“On behalf of Matthews International and its Board of Directors, we extend our sincere appreciation to Alvaro Garcia-Tunon for his exceptional leadership as both a Board member and as Chairman,” Nauman said. “Since joining the board in 2009, Alvaro’s strategic insight and steady guidance have played a vital role in navigating the company through numerous pivotal milestones. Matthews is deeply grateful for his service, and we wish him the very best in his retirement.”
The leadership transition followed the company’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, during which several additional governance actions were approved.
Shareholders re-elected Thomas A. Gebhardt, Aleta W. Richards, David A. Schawk, and Francis S. Wlodarczyk to the Board of Directors, reinforcing Matthews’ focus on experienced oversight and strategic continuity.
Gebhardt’s background in advanced battery technologies continues to support the company’s expansion into emerging energy solutions, while Richards, Schawk and Wlodarczyk contribute extensive governance experience and broad strategic insight. All four directors have played key roles during the past year as Matthews advances its strategic review and value creation initiatives.
In addition, shareholders approved amendments to the company’s Articles of Incorporation designed to further enhance Matthews’ governance practices.
About Matthews International Corporation
Matthews International Corporation operates through two core global businesses — Industrial Technologies and Memorialization — both focused on driving operational efficiency and long-term growth through continuous innovation and strategic expansion. The Industrial Technologies segment evolved from the Company’s original marking business and today serves as a global innovator focused on precision technologies and intelligent processes. The Memorialization segment provides memorialization products, including memorials, caskets, and cremation and incineration equipment, primarily serving cemetery and funeral home customers in helping families move from grief to remembrance.
The company also maintains a significant investment in Propelis, a brand solutions business formed through the merger of SGK and SGS & Co., delivering integrated brand creative, packaging, print solutions, branded environments, and content production services. Matthews International employs more than 4,300 people across 15 countries on four continents.
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