Chemours repositions Viton in fluoroproducts rejig

Wilmington, Delaware – Chemours Co. has divided its former ‘fluoroproducts’ business into two new reportable segments: ‘advanced performance materials (APM, formerly ‘fluoropolymers’) and ‘thermal & specialized solutions’ (TSS, formerly ‘fluorochemicals’).

“This change will enable an enhanced customer-centred approach, management focus and decision-making, strengthened resource allocation, and increased transparency and accountability,” claimed an 11 Feb announcement. 

From 1 March, current fluoropolymers vice president Denise Dignam will take the helm as president of APM, while Alisha Bellezza, currently vice president, fluorochemicals, will become president of TSS. 

Viton fluoroelastomers will be positioned alongside the Teflon polytetrafluoroethylene, Krytox perfluoropolyether and Nafion ionomer brands within Chemours' new APM segment.

Incoming APM president Dignam, who will also become a member of Chemours executive team, is a chemical engineer with over 30-years of industry experience. 

Dignam was appointed to lead the fluoropolymers business in November 2020. She previously led a restructuring of manufacturing as vice president of fluoroproducts operations, and served as North American business leader for fluoropolymers and global business leader for Nafion and Krytox.

The fluoroproducts business includes two highly customer-centred units that serve distinctly different customers, according to Mark Newman, chief operating officer of Chemours. 

These new segments “will allow us to capitalise on the unique market opportunities addressed by solutions from both units, while creating new growth opportunities for our customers," said Newman. 

Current fluoroproducts president Ed Sparks will become president of Chemours titanium technologies business upon the retirement of Bryan Snell, the company also announced.