Merichem Company Announces New CEO and Chairman
HOUSTON (Business Wire)—Merichem Company announced the appointment of Kenneth F. Currie as its new chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors. Currie succeeds recently departed John T. Files, founder and long-time chairman of Houston-based Merichem Company.
"Currie's
excellent financial and managerial background will ensure Merichem's continued
success," says Merichem Executive Vice President Johnny Walbrick. "His
impressive record as a leader and innovator in our industry, combined with
years of global responsibility, makes him highly qualified to lead Merichem
to new achievements.”
Currie served as the chief executive officer of Merisol GP LLC, a 50/50 joint venture of Merichem and Sasol Holdings/Sasol Chemical Industries of South Africa, since its formation in 1997, and he continues to serve on the Merisol board of directors. Prior to Merisol, Currie began his career with Merichem Company in 1979 as a sales representative for soda chemicals and rose to the position of executive vice president.
Currie holds a master’s degree in business administration from Rice University and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Texas.
With more than 55 years in the specialty chemical business, Merichem Company is considered a world leader in the production of high specification chemical intermediates and innovative process technology and engineering. Merichem Chemicals & Refinery Services LLC (MCRS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Merichem Company, provides a diversified portfolio of products and services including naphthenic acids, sodium hydrosulfide and process technology to the chemical, refining and pulp and paper industries worldwide. Gas Technology Products LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of MCRS, offers an extensive portfolio of hydrogen sulfide removal processes, systems and products to fit a wide range of applications. Merisol, 50% owned by Merichem Company, produces cresylic acids that are used in a variety of applications including wire coatings, vitamins, resins, solvents and antioxidants.
