CLEVELAND, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PolyOne Corporation , the world's leading provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, announced today that Dr. Cecil Chappelow has joined the Company as vice president of research and innovation, chief innovation officer.
Chappelow comes to PolyOne from Air Products, a $9 billion leading global provider of gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. During a 29-year career there, he developed an expertise in leading global technology organizations and creating innovation in both products and services.
"Cecil has a deep understanding of innovation processes and a passion for disciplined execution," said Stephen D. Newlin, PolyOne's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "His unique combination of business, scientific and engineering experience makes him ideal for this position. He will help drive our strategy by accelerating global innovation of differentiated, value- creating offerings for PolyOne customers."
Having led long-range corporate research and development in different roles, "Cecil understands technology from both the scientific and commercial sides," said Michael Kahler, senior vice president of commercial development. "This dual perspective will be invaluable not only for nurturing promising new ideas, but for bringing to market solutions that improve our customers' competitiveness."
Chappelow began his career as a senior research engineer at Pfizer Inc. He then joined Air Products, where he held positions as director of polymer chemicals technology; general manager - global applications development; director - corporate science and technology; and, most recently, vice president - technology, gases and equipment.
Chappelow holds a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering as well as a master's degree in business administration and a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.
About PolyOne
PolyOne Corporation, with 2006 annual revenues of approximately $2.6 billion, is a leading global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions. Headquartered in northeast Ohio, PolyOne has operations in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, and joint ventures in North America and South America. See http://www.polyone.com/ for additional information on PolyOne.
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