Mike Quinn retires after successfully leading Chem-Trend, the global industry leader in high performance release agents
Chem-Trend, a global manufacturer of release agents and other process chemical specialties for the die casting, general rubber, polyurethane, tire, thermoplastics and composites industries, announced that the recent transition in leadership will allow it to continue to build on the successful globalization efforts led in recent years by its outgoing president and CEO, Mike Quinn, ensuring that the company takes advantage of growth opportunities in markets around the world.
With Quinn’s recent retirement after 28 years of service to the company and its customers, Chem-Trend named Devanir Moraes as its new president and CEO effective on January 1, 2009. In addition, Bret Miller was named to the position formerly held by Moraes, vice president and general manager, North America.
As president, Moraes brings a global perspective developed within the company, having held various positions in South America, Asia, and the U.S., and in all facets of company operations over the last 20 years. Starting as a sales representative in Brazil, Moraes quickly moved up in the organization, becoming sales manager for the region. Based on his achievements in South America, Moraes was then named sales director for International Business, a position based at Chem-Trend’s U.S. global headquarters. With the rapid growth of the manufacturing sector in Asia, Moraes was appointed vice president and general manager, Asia Pacific, working from the company’s base in Singapore to expand Chem-Trend’s operations in the region. Finally, he returned to the U.S. headquarters to assume the position of vice president, Marketing and Technology, and most recently lead the North American business as the regional vice president – general manager.
“It’s an honor to be named to this position,” said Moraes, “Chem-Trend’s philosophy of providing the opportunities for growth within the company has allowed me to refine the skills needed to assume its leadership. I am proud of the confidence shown in my abilities, and vow to continue our practice of integrating our customer’s needs into the products we develop and the services we offer.”
With Moraes’ promotion came the need to fill the VP/GM – North America position. Bret Miller, another long-time Chem-Trend employee, has been appointed to that position. Miller’s length of service has allowed him to achieve an in-depth knowledge of the company’s culture and business model, and, along with strong leadership abilities and adept management skills, has prepared him to lead the North American unit in a challenging economic environment.
Miller’s tenure with the company began similarly to that of Moraes, as a field sales representative, serving the die cast industry. Over his 19 years with Chem-Trend, Miller has increased his level of responsibility, and has managed across all industry segments served by Chem-Trend. His progression with the company culminated with his appointment as executive director – North American Sales responsible for all industry segments, the position he held just prior to his appointment as vice president and general manager. In addition to his role as vice president, Miller also becomes a member of Chem-Trend’s Global Executive Committee.
Acknowledging Moraes and Miller, retired president Quinn said “these men have attained great knowledge as a result of their nearly 40 years of combined experience at Chem-Trend, and I know that I leave the company in good hands.”
