Armstrong World Industries (AWI) GC Austin So to exit in April 2026 transition

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Armstrong World Industries disclosed that it has finalized a mutual separation agreement with Austin K. So, its Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Head of Government Relations & Chief Sustainability Officer, and Secretary, effective April 1, 2026. His departure is part of a broader board and management transition occurring the same day, which includes previously announced changes to the Executive Chair and the President and Chief Executive Officer roles. The company states there are no changes to Mr. So’s compensation or other employment terms in connection with his departure, and his separation benefits will follow a Severance Agreement dated February 1, 2022 and applicable equity award agreements.

Insights

Corporate governance analyst

Armstrong’s long‑planned legal and governance leadership change appears orderly and governed by existing agreements.

The company reports that Senior Vice President and General Counsel Austin K. So will separate effective April 1, 2026 under a mutual agreement. This timing coincides with a broader transition that includes a new Executive Chair and a new President and Chief Executive Officer, suggesting an organized leadership handoff rather than an abrupt change.

The disclosure notes there are no changes to Mr. So’s compensation or other employment terms tied to this departure, and that his separation benefits are governed by a Severance Agreement dated February 1, 2022 and equity award agreements. That emphasis on preexisting terms implies a standard, contractual severance process. Future filings may clarify how the company redistributes his responsibilities across legal, government relations, and sustainability functions.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 27, 2026

ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Pennsylvania		1-2116		23-0366390
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)
2500 Columbia Avenue P.O. Box 3001 Lancaster, Pennsylvania				17603
(Address of principal executive offices)				(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (717) 397-0611

NA

(Former name or former address if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of

☐	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share		AWI		New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

Section 5 – Corporate Governance and Management

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On January 27, 2026, the Company and Austin K. So, the Company’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Head of Government Relations & Chief Sustainability Officer, Secretary, finalized their mutual agreement regarding his separation, effective April 1, 2026. This separation aligns with a broader board and management transition, which will also be effective April 1, 2026, including the previously announced appointments of a new Executive Chair of the Company’s Board of Directors and a new President and Chief Executive Officer.

There have been no changes to Mr. So’s compensatory arrangements or other terms of employment in connection with his departure. Mr. So’s separation benefits are governed by the Severance Agreement dated February 1, 2022, between the Company and Mr. So, and the applicable equity award agreements.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:		/s/ Austin K. So
		Austin K. So
		Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Head of Government Relations & Chief Sustainability Officer, Secretary

Date: February 2, 2026

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FAQ

What executive change did Armstrong World Industries (AWI) disclose in this 8-K?

Armstrong World Industries disclosed that Austin K. So will separate from the company effective April 1, 2026. He currently serves as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Head of Government Relations & Chief Sustainability Officer, and Secretary, and his departure is part of a broader board and management transition.

When will Austin K. So’s separation from Armstrong World Industries (AWI) become effective?

Austin K. So’s separation becomes effective on April 1, 2026. The company states that his mutual separation aligns with a broader leadership transition occurring the same day, including the previously announced appointments of a new Executive Chair and a new President and Chief Executive Officer.

Did Armstrong World Industries (AWI) change Austin K. So’s compensation in connection with his departure?

No, Armstrong World Industries reports no changes to Austin K. So’s compensation or other employment terms. The filing specifies that his separation benefits are governed by a Severance Agreement dated February 1, 2022, along with applicable equity award agreements already in place.

How does Austin K. So’s departure relate to Armstrong World Industries’ broader leadership transition?

The company links Austin K. So’s separation to a broader board and management transition effective April 1, 2026. That transition includes previously announced appointments of a new Executive Chair of the Board and a new President and Chief Executive Officer taking effect on the same date.

What agreements govern the separation benefits for Austin K. So at Armstrong World Industries (AWI)?

His separation benefits are governed by a Severance Agreement dated February 1, 2022 and applicable equity award agreements. Armstrong World Industries notes these existing contracts control the benefits associated with his departure, rather than any newly negotiated compensation arrangements.