Ascend strengthens global leadership team to focus on growth markets

November 05, 2018

Ascend Performance Materials, the largest fully integrated producer of nylon 6,6 resin, announced today a number of leadership changes designed to position the company for growth in critical markets.

Kevin Wu joined Ascend as senior vice president of Asia-Pacific, where he will lead Ascend’s strategy in the region. Dr. Wu brings 30 years of chemical industry experience, having held leadership roles at Rohm and Haas and Shanghai Chemspec.

In Europe, John Saunders was promoted to vice president and will continue to lead Ascend’s efforts in the region, including ongoing integration of the newly acquired compounding facility in Tilburg, Netherlands.

Both Dr. Wu and Mr. Saunders will be supported by cross-functional regional leadership teams.

As Ascend grows its global position, the company will increase its focus on supply chain reliability. To lead that focus, Debra Keehn was recently hired as senior vice president and chief supply chain officer.

In her new role, Ms. Keehn will be responsible for increasing the company’s supply chain capabilities across the globe. Ms. Keehn brings over 25 years of experience managing complex supply chains.

“We have long been committed to supporting our customers’ growth through reliable, high-performance products throughout the nylon 6,6 value chain,” said Phil McDivitt, Ascend’s president and CEO. “Expanding the experience and strength of our leadership team ensures that while we grow to meet demand, our key customers can continue to rely on us.”

The company announced a number of other promotions among its leadership.

Scott Rook will now serve as senior vice president of commercial, where he will oversee the commercial aspects of the company’s nylon, specialty chemicals and intermediates businesses.

John Ferguson was promoted to vice president of intermediate chemicals and will report to Mr. Rook.

Jonathan Craig was promoted to vice president of specialty chemicals, having previously served as senior director of supply chain. He will also report to Mr. Rook.

Finlay Morrison was promoted to senior vice president of strategy and growth, where he will oversee the company’s inorganic growth efforts. Mr. Morrison previously served as vice president of specialty chemicals.

And, Alison Jahn was promoted to vice president of global communications and external affairs.

Ascend strengthens global leadership team to focus on growth markets

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