Login
  • Products
  • Inspiration
  • Tools
  • File Library
  • Connect with CGC
  • Careers
Where to Buy
Chris Macey Visiting USG Plan

From Sales to CEO

Chris Macey reflects on 20 years at USG Corporation

April 1 2026By: USG Corp.What Chris Macey remembers most from his very first day at CGC 20 years ago isn’t the products or the process—it’s the people. Walking into the CGC lobby on the first morning, he was impressed by the displays of ceilings and specialty products, but it was his first interaction that stayed with him. “The first person I met, Linda Hertzy, CGC’s receptionist, was so professional and welcoming. It set the tone for the whole day,” Macey recalled. “Looking back, that was a moment where I thought, ‘I can build a life and a career here.’”That early impression of camaraderie, professionalism and genuine connection has stayed with Macey throughout his career. For the past two decades with USG, he has led teams across Canada, the United States and Latin America, building not only deep business expertise but also a strong appreciation for the collaborative culture that defines the company. It’s that culture, he says, that enables teams to solve problems, support one another and consistently deliver for customers.His career path has also been shaped by change and growth. As a Canadian, moving to the United States was a pivotal moment—both exciting and, at times, intimidating. But behind every move has been the steady support of his family. Macey and his wife, Cathy—high school sweethearts married for more than 30 years—made a shared commitment early on to follow opportunity, even when it meant relocating. “We’ve moved about ten times,” he said. “At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate the impact on Cathy and our young kids—new places, new schools, family far away. But those moves also brought new relationships and exposure to different parts of the country. In many ways it brought us closer. We relied on each other; it wasn’t always easy, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”These moves, while challenging, were also an opportunity to stretch, learn and see the business from a broader perspective. As he stepped into larger leadership roles, he realized the true scale and potential of USG, as a large business with significant resources and, most importantly, high-quality teams. That perspective reinforced his belief in the power of people and the importance of staying connected across the organization.Today, family remains at the center of his life, whether he’s traveling, spending time at their cottage north of Toronto or celebrating milestones—like his son’s upcoming wedding this June—with his two adult children. As a Canadian, he loves hockey, especially the competitiveness, strategy and teamwork the sport requires. In quieter moments, he enjoys working on antique motorcycles, a hands-on hobby that reflects his appreciation for craftsmanship, precision and problem-solving.That same hands-on mindset shows up in how he leads. Macey appreciates staying close to the business, especially on the plant floor, where he feels most connected to the work and the people behind it. “What gets me up on a rainy Wednesday is solving problems with people who care,” he says. “I get energy from being on a plant floor, talking to a foreman or a customer, figuring out how to make a process better, or how to make someone’s job safer and more productive. Those on-the-ground moments—the small wins—are what keep me going.”This people-focused mindset, grounded in experience and driven by continuous improvement, continues to shape his leadership today. When Macey thinks about the challenges of leadership, he often revisits a conversation he had with Griff in 2019, during a difficult time of restructuring.“I remember sitting with Griff talking about the grind and the future. His simple message was, ‘Stick with it. USG’s best days are ahead. If it was easy, I wouldn’t need you.’ That was all I needed. Reset. Carry on. Onward.”And that mentality is exactly what Macey plans to embrace in his new role as CEO: continue to move forward, rely on the teams around him and work together to build upon the strong foundations already in place. Add that to even stronger collaboration and mutual support with the Knauf Group, and USG is poised to enter its next chapter with both confidence and purpose.
Cookies SettingsLegal NoticesWebsite Terms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
©2026 CGC Inc. All Rights Reserved / Tous droits réservés