In an emailed press release, The ChemQuest Group (Cincinnati, Ohio, USA), a global consulting firm focused on tailored business strategy and optimization, technology acceleration, market intelligence, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory services for the specialty materials industry, announced three new appointments: Susan Sutton as its new director of communications; Joel Shertok, Ph.D., as director; and Milis Rodrigues as director.
During nearly 24 years of editorial and content development experience in B2B publishing, Sutton covered industries ranging from adhesives and sealants to specialty chemicals and advanced materials. Most recently, she served as editor-in-chief, integrated media for Adhesives & Sealants Industry (ASI) magazine, where she was responsible for the publication’s eMagazine and website content, including thought leadership pieces, technical feature articles, and industry news and trends reports, as well as podcasts, videos, and social media efforts.
In her new role, Sutton will work closely with ChemQuest leadership to develop and communicate business strategy initiatives. Her key efforts will focus on media relations and content development, website enhancement, corporate branding, event planning, project management, and development support for market intelligence tools such as the Coatings TraQr interactive dashboard and forecasting platform.
“Susan brings many years of experience and contacts from the adhesive industry, which is highly applicable to the broader specialty chemicals world,” says Edye Fox Abrams, ChemQuest vice president business development and marketing. “During her 12 years as editor-in-chief of ASI, she honed impressive skills in writing, editing, interviewing, trade show organization, webinars, website content, social media, and more. I am delighted that Susan has joined our team to help communicate ChemQuest’s message and capabilities to not only our existing clients and internal team but the specialty chemicals sector as well.”
Sutton earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Ohio Northern University, as well as a professional certificate in digital marketing from The George Washington University School of Business. She is based in Ohio.
“I’ve worked with ChemQuest numerous times over the years and have always been impressed with their deep industry knowledge and expertise,” says Sutton. “Their commitment to providing clients with in-depth, data-driven market insights, strategy and forecasting, as well as assistance with real-world technology solutions like new product development and commercialization, manufacturing efficiencies, and support for merger and acquisition opportunities, is exciting and inspiring to be a part of. The team is truly top-notch, and I’m thrilled to be joining them.”
Drawing on more than 40 years of extensive experience, Shertok will support ChemQuest’s Manufacturing Excellence and M&A Advisory Services pillars. His track record includes successes in new product development, mergers and acquisitions, new business ventures and teams, international investigations of novel technologies, and EPA/OSHA regulatory issues.
Shertok has held numerous senior-level executive positions with companies such as Advanced Plasma Solutions, Rochester Midland Corp., and Graver Technologies. He founded Process Industries Consultants, Inc. in 2014 and has assisted clients from a range of advanced technical industries in his role as president and senior consultant. Focusing particularly on process scale-up and commercialization, much of his recent work has targeted sustainability-related initiatives such as CO2 removal.
“Joel is an established expert in manufacturing operational efficiencies and methodologies,” says Daniel Murad, ChemQuest CEO. “As complexity in the manufacturing sector continues to expand, our clients look to us for thought leadership and technical expertise to not only identify potential new product development opportunities but to also optimize the testing and commercialization processes. I’m thrilled that our clients will benefit from Joel’s wide-ranging experience in the chemical process and materials industries.”
Shertok earned his doctorate and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from Princeton University, as well as a Bachelor of Engineering degree from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. He is based in Newark, Delaware.
“It is a pleasure to join such a well-established consulting organization,” says Shertok. “ChemQuest will enable me to use my talents to focus on the technical engineering consulting work I like and want to do. I am also pleased to become part of a team that will allow me to participate in much larger, more impactful projects than I could working by myself.”
Rodrigues began her 33-year career in the paints and coatings industry as an R&D formulator with AkzoNobel before rising within the organization to positions of increasing responsibility including technical sales representative of Marine & Offshore Coatings and manager of Decorative & Yacht Trade and Retail. A move to Jotun Coatings included roles as technical sales manager and commercial director, technical services, Brazil, and she then served as technical sales director, Brazil for Hempel. Prior to joining ChemQuest, her most recent role was business unit director, Brazil and South Cone for PPG Protective Marine Coatings.
In her new role as ChemQuest director, Rodrigues will explore business development opportunities in Brazil. She will also serve as a client resource for ChemQuest’s Business Strategy & Transformation, Technology Development, and M&A Advisory Services pillars.
“During her accomplished career, Milis has demonstrated leadership excellence with many multinational organizations,” says Murad. “Her robust experience spans business development and management, market analysis, strategic planning, and marketing and branding, all of which will be of huge benefit when assisting our expanding global client base in identifying opportunities for growth and development.”
Rodrigues earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial chemistry from the Universidade Federal Fluminense in Brazil and has completed numerous executive programs in sales management, team leadership, health and safety, and coatings inspection. Based in Brazil, she speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
“The warm and professional welcome from Dan and the ChemQuest team has been wonderful,” says Rodrigues. “I am excited to lead efforts to expand ChemQuest business opportunities in Brazil and South America, taking into consideration all of the technology and innovation capabilities within the organization. I am simply delighted to be part of the group.”