Meet the Expert: Chris Giovannielli
Director Product Management North America, Kawneer Company
Years in Industry: 33
My top areas of expertise
- Product Management
- Risk Management
- Corporate Training
Most surprising thing I’ve learned
How each project has its unique challenges; from product type, application, installation and surround conditions to performance requirements.
My definition of success
Taking all of these unique challenges and being able to better align the expectations to provide a solution that works for the owner, architect, general contractor and glazing sub-contractor.
One common misconception I encounter
A misconception in product management is that a framing system used in the past will work everywhere else. We always educate the architect and building owner that one type of framing solution will work for every type of condition. In these product applications, you must understand the building location, design pressures, climate zone, hurricane zone and more that can impact the overall building performance.
How I stay ahead of the curve
Participating in local AIA and CSI chapter events to better understand the local dynamics. Other areas we follow include federal, state and local building codes; stretch codes; and Energy Star.
One problem that needs attention
Façade complexity and long-term maintainability. Façades have become increasingly more complex over the last 15 to 20 years; what happens in 10 to 30 years after the handover of the building?
What I’d change about how our industry operates
I would bring in more field intelligence earlier in the design phase. They can better influence geometry, tolerances, sequencing or access strategies.
What you might not know our company does
We have serval new product enhancements coming out this year along with a new Window Wall platform coming out later in 2026. Each of these solutions will meet a new market growth opportunity and align with many of the market segments we cover in North America.
Anything else to add?
Our design guidelines are to develop sustainable solutions that support the goals of protecting Plant/People/Product, which means integrating a holistic approach with sustainable methods and practices. At Kawneer, this has always been at the heart of our business, operations, product and value chain. We have made significant progress in our efforts towards sustainability and paved a leadership approach for over 100 years. With a focus on mindfully balancing business strategy with business responsibility, we are renewing our commitment to this approach through BALANCE as an ongoing journey to continuous growth for future generations.
