Grace Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Grace has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and technology.

Driven by innovation, Grace is dedicated to developing and delivering high-performance specialty chemicals and materials that enhance the products and processes of its global customers, fostering efficiency and sustainability across diverse industries.

Leadership Roles at Grace

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ed Sparks
  • Chief Financial Officer - Mathew Bennett
  • Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer - Michael Brown
  • Chief Financial Officer, Polyolefin & Chemical Catalysts - William Agne
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Gregory Poling
  • Global President, Operations & Supply Chain - Mark Cluff
  • President, Materials Technologies - Brenda Kelly
  • President, Performance Catalyst Solutions - Thomas Deman
  • President, Grace Ltd (China) - Michael Piergrossi
  • Senior VP & Chief Information Officer - Jeff Sherman
  • Ed Sparks - Chief Executive Officer

    Ed Sparks, the Chief Executive Officer at Grace, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Sparks guides the company's global business units, ensuring alignment with market demands for specialty chemicals and materials. This leadership role involves driving innovation in catalyst technologies and materials science, critical for the production of transportation fuels and advanced polymers. Overseeing global expansion initiatives, Sparks ensures Grace maintains its competitive edge in key international markets. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on sustainable growth and enhancing shareholder value through strategic investments and operational excellence. By championing a culture of continuous improvement, Ed Sparks solidifies Grace's position as a leader in the chemical industry.
    Ed Sparks

    Mathew Bennett - Chief Financial Officer

    Mathew Bennett, the Chief Financial Officer at Grace, oversees all financial operations and strategic financial planning. Bennett manages the company's capital allocation, investor relations, and risk management functions, ensuring fiscal health and stability. This critical role involves providing financial insights to support business decisions across Grace's Catalysts Technologies and Materials Technologies segments. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include optimizing financial performance and driving profitability through disciplined cost management and revenue enhancement strategies. Bennett also plays a key part in mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, shaping the company's financial future. By maintaining robust financial controls, Mathew Bennett ensures Grace operates with integrity and achieves its long-term economic objectives.

    Michael Brown - Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Brown, the Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer at Grace, leads both the IT infrastructure and financial strategy. Brown directs the integration of advanced technologies to support business operations and enhance data security across the enterprise. This dual role ensures that financial reporting systems are robust and that IT investments align with corporate objectives. The Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to digital transformation initiatives, aiming to improve efficiency and customer engagement. By harmonizing technology deployment with financial prudence, Michael Brown drives operational improvements and supports Grace's global market presence. This leadership ensures seamless technological support for all financial activities.
    Michael Brown

    William Agne - Chief Financial Officer, Polyolefin & Chemical Catalysts

    William Agne, the Chief Financial Officer, Polyolefin & Chemical Catalysts at Grace, manages the financial health of key catalyst divisions. Agne directs financial planning, analysis, and reporting specifically for the polyolefin and chemical catalysts segments, ensuring these business units meet their financial targets. This specialized role involves optimizing profitability and resource allocation within these critical areas of Grace's operations. The Chief Financial Officer, Polyolefin & Chemical Catalysts' responsibilities include supporting strategic decisions related to product development and market expansion for these catalyst types. By providing targeted financial expertise, William Agne contributes directly to the success and growth of Grace's core catalyst businesses, reinforcing their market leadership.
    William Agne

    Gregory Poling - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Gregory Poling, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Grace, oversees the day-to-day operational activities and execution of business strategies. Poling directs global manufacturing, supply chain management, and operational efficiency across all Grace facilities. This leadership position is crucial for ensuring the reliable production and delivery of specialty chemicals and materials worldwide. The President & Chief Operating Officer's focus includes driving operational excellence, implementing best practices, and managing resources effectively to meet customer demands. By optimizing production processes and fostering collaboration between departments, Gregory Poling ensures Grace's operational capabilities support its strategic growth objectives and maintain high standards of quality and safety.

    Mark Cluff - Global President, Operations & Supply Chain

    Mark Cluff, the Global President, Operations & Supply Chain at Grace, directs the company's worldwide manufacturing and logistics networks. Cluff oversees the optimization of production processes, inventory management, and the efficient flow of materials from sourcing to customer delivery. This leadership role is essential for ensuring Grace's ability to meet global demand for its specialty chemicals and materials reliably and cost-effectively. The Global President, Operations & Supply Chain's focus includes implementing sustainable operational practices and enhancing supply chain resilience. By driving operational excellence and strategic supply chain management, Mark Cluff ensures Grace maintains its competitive edge and delivers exceptional value to its customers worldwide.

    Brenda Kelly - President, Materials Technologies

    Brenda Kelly, the President, Materials Technologies at Grace, leads the strategic direction and operational performance of the materials segment. Kelly oversees the development, production, and commercialization of silica-based and silica-alumina-based materials for coatings, consumer, industrial, and pharmaceutical applications. This leadership role is critical for driving innovation and market growth within this key business unit. The President, Materials Technologies' responsibilities include fostering strong customer relationships and identifying new market opportunities globally. By focusing on product differentiation and technological advancement, Brenda Kelly ensures Grace's Materials Technologies segment continues to provide high-value solutions that meet evolving industry needs.
    Brenda Kelly

    Thomas Deman - President, Performance Catalyst Solutions

    Thomas Deman, the President, Performance Catalyst Solutions at Grace, directs the strategy and operations for the company's catalyst technologies business. Deman oversees the development and delivery of fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts, additives, and hydro processing catalysts essential for producing transportation fuels and upgrading heavy oils. This leadership role is pivotal in advancing Grace's offerings in catalyst innovation and performance. The President, Performance Catalyst Solutions' responsibilities include driving market share growth and ensuring customer success through superior catalyst technology and technical support. By championing advancements in catalyst science, Thomas Deman strengthens Grace's position as a global leader in refining and petrochemical solutions.
    Thomas Deman

    Michael Piergrossi - President, Grace Ltd (China)

    Michael Piergrossi, the President, Grace Ltd (China) at Grace, leads the company's operations and strategic initiatives within the significant Chinese market. Piergrossi directs business development, customer engagement, and operational execution tailored to the specific needs of the region's chemical and materials industries. This vital role ensures Grace effectively serves its Chinese customer base and capitalizes on local market opportunities. The President, Grace Ltd (China)'s responsibilities include navigating regulatory landscapes and fostering strong local partnerships. By driving growth and operational excellence in China, Michael Piergrossi significantly contributes to Grace's global expansion and market penetration strategy.
    Michael Piergrossi

    Jeff Sherman - Senior VP & Chief Information Officer

    Jeff Sherman, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer at Grace, leads the company's global information technology strategy and infrastructure. Sherman directs the development and implementation of technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency, data security, and business intelligence across Grace's diverse segments. This role is vital for supporting Grace's innovation in specialty chemicals and materials by providing robust digital tools and platforms. The Senior VP & Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include managing IT operations, cybersecurity measures, and digital transformation initiatives. By ensuring seamless technology integration and leveraging data analytics, Jeff Sherman empowers Grace to make informed decisions and maintain a competitive advantage in the global market.
    Jeff Sherman

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Grace Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Grace?
    Grace is led by Ed Sparks (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Mathew Bennett (Chief Financial Officer) and Michael Brown (Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Grace’s executive team?
    The executive team of Grace includes leaders such as Ed Sparks (Chief Executive Officer), Mathew Bennett (Chief Financial Officer), Michael Brown (Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Grace have?
    Grace has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Grace’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Grace includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Polyolefin & Chemical Catalysts, President & Chief Operating Officer.