Ferro Corporation appoints Andrew M. Ross and Allen A. Spizzo to its board of directors. Ross and Spizzo have extensive experience growing specialty chemical and materials businesses, according to the company. Ferro also appoints new leaders for its corporate development and investor relations functions. With the addition of Ross and Spizzo, Ferro’s board now consists of eight directors.
Ross is the former president of the Pigments and Additives business of Rockwood Holdings, Inc., which was sold to Huntsman Pigments in October 2014. Ross led a number of initiatives at Rockwood including several multi-national acquisitions, acquisition integrations and operational efficiency optimization projects. Ross’ career includes senior leadership roles in family-owned, private equity-sponsored and publicly owned companies. He earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Tufts University and a Master of Management degree in accounting and finance from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Spizzo was vice president and chief financial officer from 2004 to 2008 of Hercules Incorporated, an S&P 500 specialty chemical company that was sold to Ashland, Incorporated in November 2008. Under his financial leadership, Hercules recorded significant improvements in cash flow, earnings per share, book value and return on invested capital, according to Ferro. He was also instrumental in the execution of several bolt-on acquisitions and strategic dispositions. Since 2008, Spizzo has been a business consultant focused on the chemicals, materials, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. He also serves as an investment advisor and asset management trustee. Spizzo earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from North Carolina State University and an MBA from the University of Akron. He has 35 years of experience in the global chemicals and materials industry.
Joseph Vitale, who was Ferro’s director, corporate development from 2011 until August 2015, rejoins the company as vice president, corporate development. He succeeds Benjamin Schlater, who was named vice president and chief financial officer in September. Kevin Cornelius Grant is appointed manager, investor relations. Grant replaces John Bingle, who for the past four years served in the dual roles of treasurer and director of investor relations. Bingle is continuing as Ferro’s treasurer.
For more information, visit: www.ferro.com