Avantor Performance Materials, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-performance chemistries, has appointed John Steitz as president and chief executive officer.
Steitz takes over the role from chairman Rajiv Gupta, who had also been serving as the company’s ceo. Gupta remains chairman of the board of Avantor, based in Center Valley, PA, which is owned by an affiliate of New Mountain Capital.
Steitz brings more than 30 years of experience in the field of specialist chemical manufacturing to Avantor. Most recently, he was president and chief operating officer at Albemarle, a global chemical manufacturing company based in Baton Rouge, LA. Prior to joining Albemarle in 2000, he was vice president and general manager of the pharmaceutical chemicals division at Mallinckrodt.
‘We’re pleased at the opportunity to have John and his capabilities in this key role at Avantor,’ Gupta said. ‘He is a proven leader who has demonstrated throughout his career an exceptional ability to manage growth initiatives and work with employees to serve customers, improve operations and maximise profitability.’
‘We look forward to working with John as we continue to support an aggressive growth strategy for Avantor.’
In his new role, Steitz will oversee all aspects of Avantor’s global operations in its four business areas: laboratory products, pharmaceuticals, electronic materials and diagnostics.