Sector News

A. Schulman Inc. names a chief commercial officer

December 19, 2016
Energy & Chemical Value Chain

As it sets off to execute new initiatives following a thorough review of its business following a rough 18-month period, Fairlawn-based A. Schulman Inc. has named former Comcast Cable executive Gary Phillips as its chief commercial officer, the company announced on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

Phillips most recently was vice president and general manager of Comcast Cable in West Palm Beach, Fla., where Schulman said “he and his team of more than 300 sales and support professionals delivered profitable sales and revenues in the commercial marketplace that were consistently in excess of annual target goals.”

Schulman, a plastic compounder that has a strong position in both North America and Europe, hopes Phillips can drive its revenue growth globally.

“Immediate priorities include creating heightened alignment and accountability within the global sales and marketing teams across product families, as well as helping to accelerate the Company’s rejuvenated, customer-centric product innovation initiative,” the company said in announcing Phillips’ hiring.

Schulman has been working hard to improve its financial performance and to bring back the price of its stock – with some success of late — after a series of financial shortfalls connected to its $800 million purchase of Citadel Plastics led to the ouster of CEO Bernard Rzepka and the return of Joseph Gingo, who had led the company from 2008-14.

The company’s stock, which had traded as high as $48 a share in the spring of 2015, sank to below $22 per share this year. Recently, following the reinstallation of Gingo as CEO and a full review of the company’s operations, the company has bounced back. Its stock has recently traded at more than $35 per share.

Though Phillips’ experience is in a different industry, Gingo said his skills should help Schulman.

“Throughout his career, Gary has consistently helped organizations maintain a proper alignment with evolving, highly technical customer needs,” Gingo said in announcing the hire. “His ability to create impactful relationships with colleagues and customers alike will be critical to our success in reinvigorating our growth plan in fiscal 2017 and beyond.”

By Dan Shingler

Source: Crain’s Cleveland Business

comments closed

Related News

July 6, 2025

AkzoNobel names new CFO

Energy & Chemical Value Chain

Dulux paint maker Akzo Nobel said on Thursday it had appointed Fredrik Westin as its chief financial officer from January 1, 2026. Westin will succeed Maarten de Vries, who is completing his second four-year term as finance chief and will retire from Akzo Nobel in April next year.

July 6, 2025

Henkel acquires MRO solutions provider in South Africa

Energy & Chemical Value Chain

The acquisition aligns with Henkel’s global growth strategy in the Adhesive Technologies business unit and reflects a key milestone in expanding its footprint in emerging markets. It enables the company to accelerate its presence in South Africa – a region with strong demand for high-performance repair and protection technologies in critical industries.

July 6, 2025

BASF appoints new managing director in Malaysia

Energy & Chemical Value Chain

BASF announces the appointment of Michael Roy as Managing Director of BASF (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, effective July 1, 2025. He succeeds Vimala Arumugam, who will retire after a distinguished career with the company. Currently serving as Director of Human Resources for Performance Materials Asia Pacific, Michael Roy brings over a decade of experience with BASF.

How can we help you?

We're easy to reach