PQ Announces Executive Leadership Transition and Succession: Boyce Retires as CEO and Continues as Chairman, Biltz Named as New President and Chief Executive Officer

May 4, 2015 | By Business Wire News

MALVERN, Pa.

PQ Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Michael R. Boyce, today announced his retirement as CEO, after serving 10 years in the position. PQ also announced the appointment of George J. Biltz as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2015. Boyce will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board.

Commenting on the transition, Boyce stated, “I have enjoyed being a part of PQ’s history and its success. George brings extensive operational, specialty chemical, business growth leadership, and M&A experience that will be instrumental in taking PQ to the next level of our growth strategy. He is the right leader for PQ at the right time. The PQ Board and I look forward to working with George.”

Biltz most recently served as the Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Strategy Officer of Axiall Corp. Prior to that, he served on the senior leadership team of The Dow Chemical Co., most recently leading its utility and energy business. Biltz has more than 35 years of diverse business, geographic, and leadership experience in the chemical industry, including serving as corporate vice president of strategy, planning, and M&A at Dow, as well as CEO roles with two Dow acquisitions, ANGUS Chemical Co. and Ascot Chemical Ltd.

“I am thrilled to join this outstanding and highly respected organization with a 184-year history of success and transformation,” said Biltz. “PQ is a highly innovative, growth-oriented specialty chemical company with a strong, entrepreneurial culture and management team.” Biltz stated, “PQ is poised for continued growth as a leader in developing solutions to address global and industry megatrends. I look forward to leading PQ as we continue to help our customers reach new levels of success by combining our materials science expertise with the identification and commercialization of new and exciting applications.”

Biltz holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Detroit and a Master of Business Administration from Central Michigan University.

About PQ Corporation

PQ is a global leader in providing customer solutions through its expertise, innovation, and manufacture of specialty inorganic performance materials, high-end specialty catalysts, and specialty glass materials. The company is a leader in providing megatrend solutions through products designed to enhance sustainability and safety in a variety of end-use applications. PQ serves key industries including water treatment, chemical, petroleum, construction, personal care, and food and beverage. Other key business segments include detergent and pulp & paper, transportation safety, mining, polymer additives, metal finishing, and conductive particle markets.

Founded in 1831 and headquartered in Malvern, Pa., PQ has ensured that the values of its founders — safety for employees and communities, integrity and fairness, diligence and service, learning and imagination–are still reflected in its contemporary corporate culture. The company believes that this culture and the strong spirit of teamwork it fosters are of immense benefit to customers, employees, suppliers, and communities alike.

For more information, visit: www.pq.com.