D. Keith Pigues

MBA Class of 1993
Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
Ply Gem

Career highlights

• Vice president of corporate marketing, RR Donnelly
• Vice president of marketing, Cemex US operations
• Chairman of the board, Business Marketing Association
• Senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Ply Gem

What has Kenan-Flagler’s global focus meant to your career?

"The course work and the global exchange experience at Manchester University in the U.K. gave me a real head start in understanding some of the opportunities and challenges in preparation for several global marketing roles in my career.
My first global marketing leadership role was director of global marketing at Monsanto. In preparing to take on that role, I went back through my notes and captured some of the lessons from the case studies and group work from the global marketing course. I felt very confident that I knew how to address the opportunities and challenges. I was able to approach that position with confidence."

What he does

Pigues is responsible for marketing, corporate strategy and market development for Ply Gem. He also is a member of the company’s executive committee.

What has the UNC Kenan-Flagler network helped you to achieve in your career?

"One of the most valuable aspects of Kenan-Flagler Business School has been having people from the network with the common set of values who are willing to assist in both professional and personal endeavors. And people are often willing to help just because of the mention of Kenan-Flagler and The University of North Carolina."

What has Kenan-Flagler’s focus on leadership meant to your career?

"The leadership skills that I gained here at Kenan-Flagler Business School have helped me to be successful in a variety of industries and positions using the sound fundamental leadership and general management education. In a senior executive role, I have found that what I gained from the school’s focus on leadership has been the most valuable and enduring benefit I received."