Jeffery Nickel Steps Down at Armstrong

Jeffrey Nickel stepped down from his positions with Armstrong World Industries (Lancaster, Pa.) on April 1, according to an SEC filing released Thursday. He had served as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary at the company.

Mr. Nickel will remain an employee of Armstrong's through June 30 to aid with the transition of his duties and the company's proxy statement. As part of his leaving, Mr. Nickel will receive a cash payment of approximately $311,774 and a bonus of about $89,000.

According to LancasterOnline.com, Mr. Nickel is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities, and a search for his successor is underway.

Mr. Nickel came to Armstrong in 2001 from the law department of Dow Corning Corporation. He started as group counsel for Armstrong's global flooring business. Mr. Nickel was named deputy general counsel for business and commercial law in 2003, and in 2008 he was elected to his current position where he helped shape the company's strategic direction.

In March, investment bank RBC Capital Markets upgraded Armstrong's stock shares as a result of incoming executives.