Why this matters: Gayatri Narayan’s departure comes just 14 months after Builders FirstSource hired her to lead its digital strategy and as the distributor prepares to roll out its next generation of AI-enabled digital tools.
Builders FirstSource Inc. will part ways with Gayatri Narayan, its president of technology and digital solutions, little more than a year after hiring the veteran technology executive to lead an expansion of its digital business.
Narayan was notified Aug. 3 that she will be separated from the company effective Aug. 14, Builders FirstSource said in a Form 8-K filed Friday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The company did not give a reason for the decision beyond saying Narayan’s departure was not the result of a disagreement over its operations, policies, or practices. Builders FirstSource also did not identify a successor or disclose how her responsibilities will be handled.
The departure comes only 14 months after Builders FirstSource appointed Narayan to the newly created position of president of technology and digital solutions in June 2025. She reported directly to CEO Peter Jackson and was given responsibility for developing and delivering digital products, creating digitally enabled business models and leading Paradigm, the company’s digital solutions subsidiary, according to the company’s announcement at the time.
Narayan received $3.52 million in total compensation in 2025, according to Builders FirstSource’s 2026 proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 2. The proxy lists $390,386 in salary, $2.42 million in stock awards, $700,000 in non-equity incentive compensation and $10,500 in other compensation. The SEC identifies the April 2 filing as Builders FirstSource’s definitive proxy statement.
Builders FirstSource said Narayan will be entitled to severance payments and benefits under its executive and key employee severance plan, subject to her signing and not revoking a separation agreement and general release of claims. The company did not disclose the value of those payments in Friday’s filing.
Narayan’s exit comes at a significant point in Builders FirstSource’s technology strategy.
When the company hired her in June 2025, Jackson said Narayan would play a “pivotal role” in advancing the company’s digital strategy. She joined Builders FirstSource after holding technology leadership positions at PepsiCo, Microsoft, and Amazon.
Builders FirstSource has been developing a new generation of digital tools that use artificial intelligence and 3D visualization to connect parts of the homebuilding process, including design, purchasing, and construction. The company said in July that AI-enabled technology unveiled earlier this year is intended to reduce errors and rework and connect workflows that traditionally operate through separate systems.
Builders FirstSource’s website says its next generation of digital solutions is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2026. The platform is designed around four connected areas — community development, plans, selections, and construction — intended to connect different stages of the building process.
Narayan was directly involved in that effort. Builders FirstSource said she was responsible for developing and delivering digital products and digitally enabled business models, while also overseeing Paradigm.
The company has not said whether Narayan’s departure will affect the timing or direction of those initiatives.
Builders FirstSource, based in Irving, Texas, describes itself as the largest U.S. supplier of building products, prefabricated components, and value-added services to professional customers in new residential construction and repair and remodeling. At the time of Narayan’s appointment in June 2025, the company said it operated in 43 states with approximately 595 locations.
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