Nations Roof LLC, a leading commercial roofing contractor based in Braselton, Ga., has named Robert “Robby” Speights as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective Aug 18, 2025. The appointment marks a strategic leadership transition as the company positions itself for continued national expansion.

Speights, who brings 35 years of experience in managing complex, field-driven service businesses, will succeed Jake Hyatt, who has served as CEO since June 2023. Hyatt will transition to Chief Operating Officer, where he will continue overseeing the company’s operations and growth initiatives.

The new CEO most recently served as President of Industrial and Energy Groups at Clean Harbors, where he spearheaded significant safety improvements and revenue growth. Under his leadership, the company’s “Safety First” initiative dramatically reduced the total recordable incident rate from 0.97 to 0.24 across more than 20 million hours worked.

“Robby is an ideal leader for the Nations Roof business,” said Ken Locchiato, executive chairman of Nations Roof. “Having started his career as a field engineer and risen to senior leadership roles across major industrial services companies, Robby has a unique understanding of what’s required to grow, support and scale a field-driven organization.”

Speights began his career as a field engineer in 1990 and has held senior leadership positions at several industrial and infrastructure services companies, including Aegion Corporation, HydroChem, and Broadspectrum. Throughout his career, he has focused on expanding commercial capabilities and supporting both organic growth and acquisition-led expansion.

The leadership transition comes as Nations Roof continues building its national platform. Founded in 2004, the company serves both national and local accounts across all 50 states, specializing in all types of roof systems and building types. The company has maintained above-market growth through its purpose-built model, which includes a dedicated team of National Account Managers.

“I’m incredibly impressed with the platform Nations Roof has established over the past 20 years,” Speights said. “Nations Roof has a trusted network of customers, an unmatched dedication to safety and customer satisfaction, and a comprehensive range of product and service offerings across all commercial roof systems and building types.”

Under Hyatt’s leadership as CEO, Nations Roof enhanced its commercial capabilities, expanded its national accounts platform, and executed strategic acquisitions. In his new role as COO, Hyatt will continue leveraging his operational expertise and industry relationships to support the company’s growth strategy.

“Robby’s leadership will be a tremendous asset to Nations Roof,” Hyatt said. “Our ability to attract and develop top talent has always been a competitive advantage, and I know Robby shares my commitment to maintaining and strengthening that culture.”

Nations Roof is recognized for delivering high-quality workmanship backed by exceptional customer service and industry-leading safety standards. The company’s comprehensive approach has enabled it to serve clients across diverse markets and building types throughout the United States.