EAST BERLIN, CT - StanChem Polymers has promoted Paul Stenson to President and Chief Executive Officer, and Steve McGuff to Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately.

Stenson holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from University College Dublin, Ireland, and, prior to StanChem Polymers, held executive positions for Axalta, Ahlstrom and Valspar. McGuff has degrees in both Chemical Engineering/Material Science and Business and previously served in executive functions at Reflexite Corp. and Mobil Chemical.

“Throughout their respective careers in specialty chemicals and during their time here at StanChem Polymers, Paul and Steve have proven to be forward-thinking and effective leaders. Leveraging their combined expertise across sales, chemistry and operations, Paul and Steve have also proven to be a dynamic leadership duo – and we are excited and confident that Paul and Steve will lead StanChem Polymers into a new era of strategic growth," said Michael Foley, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Managing Director at the private equity firm Artemis Capital Partners, majority owner of StanChem Polymers.

Founded in 1968 and based in East Berlin, Connecticut, StanChem Polymers specializes in the development and manufacture of water-based emulsion polymers for coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomer applications. Albi Protective Coatings, a wholly owned product line of StanChem Polymers, develops and supplies a range of intumescent coatings for fire-resistive and other applications.