Real Estate 2024: JULIAN G. FRANCIS

Francis joined Beacon Roofing Supply, a Fortune 500 distributor of roofing material, as president and CEO in 2019.

Founded in 1928, Beacon is a distributor of building products, including roofing materials and complementary products, such as siding and waterproofing. It has approximately 8,000 employees and operates in all 50 states and in Canada. In 2023, Beacon reported $9 billion in revenue, and it was ranked No. 429 on the 2024 Fortune 500, up 20 spots from the year before.

Beacon opened 26 new distribution centers around the nation last year, and in July, the company announced it acquired two metal roofing firms in Florida.

A United Kingdom native, Francis earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and his doctorate in materials engineering at Swansea University in Wales. He also earned a master’s degree in business administration at DePaul University.

Before leading Beacon, Francis served as president of the insulation business at Owens Corning, a provider of insulation, roofing and fiberglass composite materials. He also was vice president and general manager for Owens Corning’s residential insulation business and vice president and managing director of the company’s glass reinforcements business in the Americas.