Louisville Tile, which has a South Bend location, promoted CFO Walter Newell to CEO.

Newell will lead the fourth-generation, family-owned company.

“Louisville Tile has gone through a tremendous growth spurt these last three years, adding branches in new markets, key personnel and product offerings,” he said in a press release. “I must say we’re all proud of what has been accomplished in such a short amount of time.”

Newell has owned a home health business, and provided accounting and consulting. He also was treasurer at the University of Louisville.

He is happy to be working for a family-owned business, saying that customers and suppliers are like extended family.

The Louisville, Kentucky-based company, which was founded in 1955, offers tile and setting material solutions. It acquired American Olean Midwest, which has a location in South Bend, in June. The acquisition was the second in a year and expanded Louisville Tile's footprint into nine states and 17 branches. It has grown by 24 employees for a total of 290 employees companywide.