Luigi Di Geso, president and CEO of MAPEI North America, was recognized by the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) with the prestigious Joe A. Tarver Award. Di Geso was formally honored during Coverings 2026 in Las Vegas, following the Gary Sinise keynote address which was sponsored by MAPEI.
Presented annually to one U.S.-based industry professional, the Joe A. Tarver Award recognizes individuals whose careers reflect extraordinary service, leadership and long-term impact in the tile and stone industry. Named after Tarver, NTCA’s executive director emeritus, the award honors those who have strengthened the industry through advocacy, education and collaboration.
Bart Bettiga, NTCA exec dir., praised Di Geso’s decades of commitment to the trade, stating: “As the leader of MAPEI North America, Luigi Di Geso has left an indelible footprint on the tile and stone trade. MAPEI supports the NTCA and the entire industry in our effort to grow the tile market. MAPEI is a leader in training and education and through sponsorship and association support, they play a leading role in the proper specification of tile installation materials.”
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from NTCA,” Di Geso said. “I love this industry and the people who make it what it is. My goal has always been to strengthen professionalism, education and collaboration among manufacturers, associations, distributors and contractors. When individuals grow, the entire industry grows—and that has guided my career every day.”
Di Geso has been part of MAPEI for more than two decades. From 2004 to 2009, he served as general manager of MAPEI’s Canadian subsidiary before his current role. Under his leadership, the company has expanded from three product lines to 19, while increasing its operational footprint from 12 to 28 facilities across North America and the Caribbean.
Beyond MAPEI, Di Geso remains deeply engaged in advancing the broader construction industry, collaborating with more than 80 professional organizations that include the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast, Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada and the Italian-Canadian Community Foundation.
