TCNA Names Tile Person for 2026
CLEMSON, S.C. – The Tile Council of North America (TCNA) names Eugenio Martinez Serna as the 2026 TCNA Tile Person of the Year.
Martinez, the president and general director of Grupo Daltile, is honored for his more than four decades of leadership, innovation and commitment to advancing the ceramic-tile industry in North America.
“My professional success has been built on assembling a group of collaborators more capable and intelligent than I am,” Martinez said, “so that together, we can forge a shared vision.”
He joined the Daltile organization in 1985, and in 1995 was appointed general director of Daltile Mexico. He became president and general director in 2006.
Under his leadership, the company has expanded significantly, culminating in the 2023 integration of Daltile and Vitromex to form Grupo Daltile, now one of the largest ceramic tile manufacturers in Mexico. Grupo Daltile has more than 5,000 associates, eight manufacturing plants, and an annual production capacity of 66 million meters2 (more than seven billion ft2).
Martinez is recognized for his commitment to operational excellence. Among other achievements, he led the recovery of operations following Hurricane Alex in 2010, restoring full production in less than three months.
He also championed the opening of the Daltile Gallery on the iconic Masaryk Avenue in Mexico City in 2022 to meet the needs of the architectural and design community.
A native of Monterrey, Mexico, Martinez holds a degree in chemical engineering from Tecnologico de Monterey, and a master of science in industrial engineering from Georgia Tech. He also completed the senior management program at IPADE Business School at Universidad Panamericana.
A board member of TCNA since 2005, Martinez supported the organization’s transition to the Tile Council of North America and establishment of TCNA – Mexico, He has also contributed to the development of installation standards, installer training programs, the TCNA – Mexico testing laboratory and the creation of the Obra Blanca tradeshow.
“Eugenio exemplifies the very best of our industry,” says TCNA Executive Director Eric Astrachan. “His leadership has not only driven the success of Grupo Daltile, but has also strengthened the entire tile community through his commitment to collaboration, standards of development and mentoring future leaders.”