Grace Executive and Leadership Team

Ed Sparks, the Chief Executive Officer at Grace, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Overseeing the global production of specialty chemicals and materials, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between corporate objectives and market demands. This leadership role involves managing the complex interplay between the Catalysts Technologies and Materials Technologies segments to maximize shareholder value. By prioritizing innovation in fluid catalytic cracking and silica-based materials, Ed Sparks drives long-term growth across international markets. The Chief Executive Officer maintains constant communication with the Board to refine business models and address emerging industry challenges. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation and resource management, the Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive position of the company. Ultimately, Sparks fosters a culture of technical excellence that supports the development of advanced solutions for the petroleum, consumer, and industrial sectors worldwide.

Mathew Bennett, the Chief Financial Officer at Grace, manages the fiscal health and financial reporting structures of the enterprise. Overseeing the allocation of capital across the Catalysts Technologies and Materials Technologies segments, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that investment strategies align with the long-term goals of the company. This leadership role involves monitoring global market trends to mitigate financial risks associated with specialty chemical production. By optimizing the balance sheet and maintaining rigorous internal controls, Mathew Bennett supports the operational scale required for worldwide distribution. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to evaluate potential acquisitions and divestitures that enhance the portfolio. Through precise financial planning and analysis, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data to guide strategic decision-making. Ultimately, Bennett ensures the financial stability required to sustain the research and development efforts that define the market presence of the organization.

William Agne, the Chief Financial Officer, Polyolefin & Chemical Catalysts at Grace, manages the financial performance specifically for the polyolefin and chemical catalyst product lines. Overseeing the budgeting and cost-control measures for these specialized segments, the Chief Financial Officer, Polyolefin & Chemical Catalysts ensures that production costs remain aligned with market pricing for thermoplastic resins. This leadership role involves analyzing the profitability of gas-phase polypropylene process technology to guide future investment. By monitoring the financial metrics of catalyst supports, William Agne supports the strategic expansion of the business into new industrial applications. The Chief Financial Officer, Polyolefin & Chemical Catalysts works closely with the product development teams to ensure that financial resources are directed toward high-growth opportunities. Through detailed financial modeling, the Chief Financial Officer, Polyolefin & Chemical Catalysts provides the insights needed to optimize the product mix. Ultimately, Agne secures the financial viability of these critical catalyst segments.

Michael Brown, the Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer at Grace, manages the intersection of financial planning and technological investment. Overseeing the digital transformation of financial reporting systems, the Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer ensures that data integrity supports accurate fiscal forecasting. This leadership role involves leveraging information technology to improve the transparency of financial operations across the global footprint of the company. By integrating advanced software solutions into the financial workflow, Michael Brown drives efficiency in the management of specialty chemical assets. The Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the leadership team to ensure that IT investments yield measurable improvements in financial performance. Through the alignment of technology and finance, the Senior VP, Information Technology & Chief Financial Officer optimizes the allocation of capital. Ultimately, Brown ensures that the organization maintains a robust financial and digital foundation for long-term growth.

Ronald Hart, the Chief Operating Officer at Grace, manages the daily production and supply chain logistics for the specialty chemicals business. Overseeing the manufacturing facilities that produce fluid catalytic cracking catalysts and silica-based materials, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational efficiency meets the high standards of the industry. This leadership role involves streamlining process reactors and catalyst support production to maintain consistent output for global clients. By implementing lean manufacturing principles, Ronald Hart drives productivity improvements across the Catalysts Technologies segment. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with regional managers to ensure that supply chain networks remain resilient against market volatility. Through the integration of advanced process technologies, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes the conversion of heavy oils into lighter products. Ultimately, Hart maintains the operational integrity required to deliver high-quality materials to the petroleum, pharmaceutical, and consumer sectors on a global scale.

Gregory Poling, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Grace, manages the execution of corporate strategy across all manufacturing and commercial operations. Overseeing the performance of the Catalysts Technologies and Materials Technologies segments, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the company meets its production targets for specialty chemicals. This leadership role involves coordinating the efforts of regional teams to drive market penetration in the petroleum and industrial sectors. By focusing on the operational excellence of the global supply chain, Gregory Poling supports the delivery of high-performance materials to diverse customer bases. The President & Chief Operating Officer works with the executive team to refine the operational roadmap and address challenges in the global market. Through the implementation of rigorous performance metrics, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that all business units contribute to the overall success of the organization. Ultimately, Poling drives the operational scale required to maintain market leadership.

Thomas Deman, the President, Performance Catalyst Solutions at Grace, manages the development and commercialization of advanced catalyst products. Overseeing the research and production of fluid catalytic cracking additives and hydro processing catalysts, the President, Performance Catalyst Solutions ensures that these products meet the technical requirements of the petroleum industry. This leadership role involves driving innovation in process reactors to help clients upgrade heavy oils into lighter, more valuable products. By focusing on the specific needs of the global refining market, Thomas Deman expands the reach of the catalyst portfolio. The President, Performance Catalyst Solutions collaborates with technical teams to ensure that new product launches align with the sustainability goals of the company. Through the strategic management of the catalyst business, the President, Performance Catalyst Solutions supports the growth of the petroleum-based product segment. Ultimately, Deman ensures that the company remains a preferred partner for refineries seeking to improve their operational efficiency.

Brenda Kelly, the President, Materials Technologies at Grace, manages the silica-based and silica-alumina-based materials business. Overseeing the development of materials for coatings, consumer goods, and pharmaceutical applications, the President, Materials Technologies ensures that the product portfolio addresses the diverse needs of these industries. This leadership role involves driving the commercial strategy for high-performance materials that enhance the quality and functionality of end-user products. By focusing on the unique properties of silica-based materials, Brenda Kelly expands the market presence of the segment across global regions. The President, Materials Technologies collaborates with research and development teams to innovate new material solutions that meet evolving regulatory and performance standards. Through the strategic management of the Materials Technologies segment, the President, Materials Technologies supports the overall growth of the company. Ultimately, Kelly ensures that the organization remains a leader in the specialty materials market by delivering high-value solutions to a wide range of industrial and consumer applications.

Jeff Sherman, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer at Grace, architects the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks that support the global operations of the company. Overseeing the integration of data analytics into the manufacturing of specialty chemicals, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer ensures that information systems provide actionable insights for the production teams. This leadership role involves modernizing the technological stack to improve efficiency in the Catalysts Technologies and Materials Technologies segments. By deploying secure cloud solutions, Jeff Sherman protects the intellectual property and proprietary process technologies that differentiate the organization in the marketplace. The Senior VP & Chief Information Officer collaborates with the executive team to align digital transformation initiatives with broader business objectives. Through the implementation of robust IT governance, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer supports the scalability of global operations. Ultimately, Sherman drives the digital evolution necessary to maintain a competitive edge in the chemical industry.