John Deere Landscapes, the largest North American distributor of landscaping products, today announced the appointment of Doug Black as Chief Executive Officer effective immediately.

Mr. Black is the former President and Chief Operating Officer of Atlanta, GA-based Oldcastle, Inc., a$12.6 billion building materials manufacturer and distributor and wholly owned subsidiary of Irish-based CRH, plc.  During Black's 18-year career with Oldcastle, he helped build the company from$900 million in sales to the leader in North American building materials through strong internal and acquisitive growth and industry-leading operating performance.

"Doug is a proven leader and a world-class business builder who understands JDL's business model," said Paul S. Pressler, Chairman of JDL and an Operating Partner at CD&R. "He brings highly relevant experience in the materials, products and distribution sectors, as well as a track record of developing strong management teams and executing profitable growth strategies."

"I am extremely honored and excited to be leading John Deere Landscapes as the company moves to the next level of profitable growth as an independent enterprise," said Mr. Black.  "JDL is extremely well positioned to leverage its industry leadership in rewarding new ways, while maintaining its exceptional customer service levels."

Mr. Black succeeds David Werning, who will serve as an advisor to the business until his retirement at the end of 2014.  "We are grateful for Dave's many contributions to JDL over the years and we are very glad he will be available through the leadership transition," said Mr. Pressler.

"With my eventual retirement, the search process was a priority and one that I envisioned to be somewhat lengthy. When Doug Black emerged, we knew we had the right leader," said Mr. Werning.

During his tenure at Oldcastle, Mr. Black served as Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer at both Oldcastle Materials and Oldcastle Architectural Products, which are strategic suppliers to JDL.  In addition, he was President of Oldcastle Precast Southeast Division and, as VP Development for Oldcastle, Inc., established Oldcastle's distribution division with the acquisition of Allied Building Products.  Prior to Oldcastle, Mr. Black was with McKinsey & Company and the U.S. Army Engineer Corps.  He is a graduate of the U. S. Military Academy, West Point, NY with a B.A. in Mathematical Sciences and an M.B.A. from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.