The management changes will build on Connell Brothers’ extended track record for growth. Revenue at Connell Brothers has more than doubled in the past seven years, averaging 11 percent per year over, while profits have grown at an even more rapid rate despite global economic turmoil. The company also expanded into more geographies in Asia-Pacific, making them the only specialty chemicals distributor that covers the entire region.
Acquisitions and internal growth, meanwhile, have allowed Connell Brothers to expand from its base in industrial materials into regulated industries including personal care, food and pharmaceutical ingredients. With nearly 900 employees, Connell Brothers remains the largest distributor of specialty chemicals and industrial ingredients in Asia-Pacific.
“Together, we have built an impressive business with an excellent platform for continued growth and success. These organizational changes are important next steps in taking Connell Brothers to a new level and further cementing our leading market position in Asia,” said Ted Eliot, president of Connell Brothers. “We have the full support from Wilbur-Ellis senior management as well as our shareholders. We have done business with integrity for over 100 years in Asia, and we will continue to do so for many years to come.”
The Senior Leadership Team will bring together executives in charge of operations in different regions as well as executives in charge of supplier relationships and initiatives so that they may share ideas and ensure that the best programs and customer service practices are being utilized across the entire division.
In addition to Ted Eliot, members of the Senior Leadership Team include Azita Owlia, who was recently appointed vice president of operations for North Asia; Chadd Hermann, who is responsible for operations in Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam as well as the regional coatings segment and paper segment; Jeff Streblow, who is responsible for operations in India, the Philippines, Singapore and the Hong Kong consumer business; and Scott Graddy, who is responsible for the acquisition strategy as well as operations in Australia and New Zealand.
The team also includes Peter Kam, who leads the division’s regulated business out of Malaysia; Hon Wai, finance director for Connell Brothers and Claire Pang, human resources manager.
Connell Brothers is also pleased to announce that Rod Decker has been appointed general manager for Thailand while Kevin Hack, currently based in San Francisco, will relocate to Malaysia to become general manager there.
