CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH – Emerald Kalama Chemical, a business group of Emerald Performance Materials, has appointed Scott Neuheardt Vice President and General Manager for the group's line of K-FLEX^® low-VOC, non-phthalate plasticizers and coalescents. The company has also promoted Shamsi Gravel to Vice President, Global Key Accounts in order to develop, implement and lead Emerald Kalama Chemical's key account program across all businesses, including K-FLEX plasticizers, Kalama^® flavor and fragrance ingredients and Kalama benzoates and intermediates.

In his new role, Neuheardt will be responsible for optimizing and expanding business globally, identifying new opportunities for growth and leading teams that will focus on translating emerging market needs into a greater range of product offerings. He has nearly 20 years of experience in senior operations and management roles in the specialty chemicals industry, most recently serving as President and COO at Sekisui Specialty Chemicals. He also previously held various marketing, business and sales management roles at Celanese and GE Plastics.

Gravel has 20 years of experience focused on specialty chemicals. Since Gravel joined Emerald in 2009, she has served in various management roles dedicated to driving success for K-FLEX plasticizers and coalescents, most recently as K-FLEX Vice President. She also previously held positions with organizations such as Chemquest, Bostik Findley and National Starch and Chemical.