Hexpol Compounding Americas shuffles executive team

BURTON, Ohio—Changes have come to the C-suite for Hexpol Compounding Americas as the custom mixer enters 2023.

Hexpol Compounding Americas, along with Hexpol Engineered Products, is a business segment of Malmo, Sweden-based Hexpol A.B.

According to Hexpol Compounding Americas President and CEO Gary Moore, the leadership changes are reflective of a new topical (or market) structure, rather than a regional (or geographic) format.

Bruce Wynd has been promoted from director of automotive to chief commercial officer. Under Wynd will be four commercial directors who are responsible for automotive, specialty, industrial and silicone/performance additives markets.

In this regard, Saul Reyes will succeed Wynd as director of automotive; Chris Airhart will continue as director of industrial; Chris Poirier will continue to direct the silicone and additives business; and Brad Donat will serve as director of specialty markets.

Within all four of these markets will be a related technical customer service team, Moore told Rubber News Feb. 7.

"Bruce is a terrific leader with a depth of experience in technology, supply chain and commercial management," Moore said. "His industry knowledge is unparalleled at Hexpol Compounding Americas, and we are thrilled he has agreed to lead the commercial teams."

Donat, who has worked in the chemical supplier industry, brings more than three decades of experience to his role as director of specialty markets.

He recently served as senior account manager for carbon black for Boston-based Cabot Corp.

"We are honored to have Brad join Hexpol Compounding Americas," Wynd said. "We are confident that his background of commercial success, market knowledge and experience will benefit Hexpol's customers and drive our growth in the specialty marketplace."

Ellen Clunk, former purchasing and supply chain director, has been promoted to chief procurement officer. Clunk has been with Hexpol Compounding Americas for 13 years, initially hired as a development chemist.

Other changes to Hexpol Compounding Americas include Andrew Chan, previous director of operations of the south and west regions, who has been promoted to chief operations officer.

Chan will be supported by Ernesto Gutierrez, who will be charged with oversight of HCA's three Mexico sites; and Kevin Brown, who will oversee HCA's five northern sites and two West Coast facilities.

Chan also will be in charge of the business systems, continuous improvement and engineering/maintenance teams.

Brown, with 25 years of experience, comes to HCA from Morgan Truck Body.

"Kevin's exceptional leadership and organizational skills will truly benefit Hexpol Compounding Americas operations team," said Chan. "He is a hands-on manufacturing professional who truly understands continuous improvement, culture development and problem solving."

Moore said the organizational changes will allow Hexpol Compounding Americas to have "clear visibility on the current and future needs of its customers."