JON WEIS
Director of Solutions Architecture, ALBERT INVENT
Could you please share your current role, what it entails, and what excites you most about it?
I’m the director of solutions architecture at Albert Invent, where I partner with R&D leaders across the industry to digitally transform their businesses and functions, helping them capture value quickly. My work blends science, engineering, digital, and business skills, which I get to apply in different ways each day. What excites me most is solving diverse challenges that companies face as they position themselves for success in an increasingly digital future.
How important has mentorship or a piece of advice from someone been in your career—and have you had the chance to mentor others in return?
I’ve been fortunate to receive strong mentorship throughout my career. My path has taken new and fulfilling directions because mentors helped me identify where I needed to grow and which opportunities would be most rewarding. Mentoring others has been just as meaningful, not only as a way to give back, but also because I’m constantly learning from those I mentor.
How, if at all, did your educational background shape your path into coatings?
I hold an undergraduate degree in Polymer Science and Engineering and earned a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with a strong focus in polymers and materials. I’ve always been drawn to highly cross-functional problem solving, which made coatings a natural fit and an ideal industry in which to build my career.
How do you stay current with advancements in coatings technology?
One of the things I enjoy most about my current role is the opportunity to interact with leaders and scientists from across the industry. These conversations offer insight into both emerging innovations and long-standing challenges, giving me a broad view of the opportunities and trends shaping the industry today.
What skills or traits do you think are essential for success in this industry?
Curiosity, persistence, and the ability to build trust are essential. Curiosity drives continuous learning across the many scientific and engineering disciplines involved in this highly cross-functional industry. Persistence is critical because the problems are often technically complex, and large organizations can have significant inertia. And building trust is at the heart of making progress with direct reports, peers, or senior leadership because people are central to bringing ideas to life and products to market.
Jon Weis is the director of solutions architecture at Albert Invent, where he brings over a decade of experience in the chemicals and materials industry. He joined Albert from PPG, where he held progressive leadership roles in global polymer synthesis and front-end innovation formulation science before most recently leading product development for their Architectural Coatings business in the United States and Canada (now Pittsburgh Paints). Prior to PPG, Weis began his industrial career at Dow Chemical in the Electronic Materials business. He holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Email: jon@albertinvent.com