Editor’s note: The following industry professionals have recently received promotions or appointments. To submit your company’s personnel news for possible publication in CoatingsTech, email publications@paint.org with “Names in the News” in the subject line.
Kraton Corporation has appointed Sangwoo Ryu as CEO. Ryu most recently served as CEO of Cariflex Pte Ltd., a Kraton spin‑off under DL Chemical, having joined the company as CFO in 2020 shortly before its acquisition by DL Chemical. He became CEO of Cariflex in April 2025. In his new role, Ryu will work with Kraton’s Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors, as well as Cariflex leadership to help guide strategic decision making, operational excellence, and long‑term growth for both organizations.
Nobian, a Western European producer of salt and essential chemicals, has appointed Thorsten Krekels as CFO and member of the company’s leadership team. Krekels previously served as group controller and managing director Germany for Nobian. He succeeds Michael Pontzen, who will transition to a new project with Nobian’s principal shareholder, The Carlyle Group.
Surface‑protective technology company actnano, Inc. has appointed Sruti Balasubramanian as CTO. In this role, she will lead product innovation and deepen customer partnerships, while ensuring the company’s technology roadmap remains aligned with real‑world customer needs. Balasubramanian is the inventor of record on actnano’s core patents and is a graduate of MIT’s Strategic Technology Roadmapping & Innovation program.
Nobilis Group, Inc has announced a series of executive promotions. Stan Starnes has been named president, responsible for sales initiatives, new business development, and servicing key partner relationships. Jeff Beaver will assume the role of chief administrative officer. In addition, the company has hired Rushi Modha as COO, responsible for all core business operations. Nobilis founder Troy Good will continue to lead the company as CEO.
Omya Performance Polymer Distribution has named Sara Ghione president for Rubber Polymers and Additives. She will be based in Oftringen, Switzerland, and report to CEO Carsten Harms. With over 20 years’ experience in the chemical distribution industry, Ghione most recently served as business director for Polymers and Rubber EMEA for Brenntag. Omya reports that Ghione’s appointment completes the global leadership team for Omya Performance Polymer Distribution.
Nouryon has named Jennifer Durbin executive vice president and chief human resources officer. She will lead the development and execution of company’s global human capital strategy, shaping policies and practices that support the company’s organizational goals and workforce needs. Durbin joined Nouryon in 2026 from CMC, a publicly held global steel manufacturing and construction materials company, where she served as senior vice president, chief human resources, and communications officer.
Barentz has named Eric Post senior vice president, Principal Management−CASE & Plastics. Post joined Barentz in 2017, and most recently served as vice president Principal Management.
BASF Intermediates Americas has appointed Kevin Anderson to head the division as vice president, Regional Business Management. Anderson will be responsible for the division’s strategic growth, innovation, and customer-centric collaboration. He previously served as vice president, Business Management Amines, Acetylenics, and Carbonyl Derivatives, Chemical Intermediates, North America.
Elinor Coatings has appointed Michelle Pierre as director of the Aurora Center for Extreme Weather Materials, a division of Elinor Coatings. In this role, Pierre, whose work focuses on translating complex materials risks into clear engineering decisions to ensure safety and reliability, will lead a growing team serving clients across aerospace, defense, energy, agriculture, and industrial sectors.
Pierre holds a B.S in Chemistry from Kennesaw State University and a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from Florida International University.
Ravago Chemicals North America (RCNA) has announced the appointment of Eric Kostyszyn as director & vice president of Chemicals. He most recently served as vice president of Sales & Industrial Markets.
In addition, RCNA has named Jeffrey Wear as vice president−Segments. Wear joined the company in 2022 and most recently served as vice president of Coatings & Inks.
Sherwin-Williams Industrial Wood Coatings division has appointed Sarah Wolek as North American director of technical service. Her focus will be on elevating service capabilities, optimizing processes, and supporting strategic growth across the industrial wood coatings business. Wolek previously served as technical director, Agricultural Solutions, for the Stepan Company.
Gemini Industries, Inc. has announced that David Jackson has stepped into the role of director, Product Management. Jackson, a long-tenured employee-owner, will oversee the development of new technologies as well as strengthening Gemini’s existing product lineup.
IMCD Group has appointed Sami Valkama as global technical director for its Coatings & Construction Business Group, in addition to his current role as managing director of IMCD Nordics. Since joining IMCD in 2006, Valkama has held a range of technical positions across the organization. In his expanded role, he will oversee the company’s global technical strategy for the coatings and construction markets.
The ChemQuest Group has appointed its latest new director, Edward Johnson. With decades of experience leading strategy and acquisition projects for global corporations, Johnson has had roles with Advanced Sealing Technologies (a business line of Michelin), IAMCO Strategy Consultants, and Vermillion Partners.
Teresa Karjala, senior research & development fellow, Packaging, Specialty Plastics, and Hydrocarbons, at Dow has been elected into the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Class of 2026. NAE membership honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, or education. Karjala is recognized “for leadership in innovation in the field of polyolefin product development, production, and commercialization.” She has been employed by Dow for over 30 years and received a B.S. from Michigan Technological University and a Ph.D. from The University of Delaware, both in chemical engineering.