Ricardo Knecht Named General Manager of South America For Guardian Glass

Guardian Glass, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of float and value-added coated glass products, has named Ricardo Knecht General Manager for South America. Knecht is responsible for developing strategies, setting priorities and executing critical initiatives for the company throughout South America.

Guardian Glass is a major business unit of Guardian Industries Corp. Guardian Glass’ South American operations include two float glass plants in Brazil (Tatui, Sao Paulo and Porto Real, Rio de Janeiro) and distribution centers in Argentina, Colombia and Costa Rica.

“This is a new position and an important role for the organization as we work to create value for our customers, the company and the communities where we operate,” says Rick Zoulek, Vice President, America, Guardian Glass. “Ricardo will be responsible for driving innovation, eliminating waste and improving on how we create an exceptional customer experience.”

Knecht was most recently General Manager of SABIC – South America, where he was responsible for sales and application development for Specialty and Core materials, as well as supply chain, manufacturing and business development activities for the region. Before that, he was Chief Financial Officer of GE Plastics for Latin America. 

Knecht has a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP) university and a master’s from Fundação Escola de Comércio Álvares Penteado (FECAP). 

Knecht will be based in Brazil. He and his wife Clenia have two children.