Title: CEO
Workplace: Solenis
Alma Maters: University of Pittsburgh, University of Phoenix
Boards: American Chemistry Council, European Chemical Industry Council, United Way of Delaware
What is your favorite book? “My favorite book is “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. It’s an insightful read on how companies transition from being good to truly great, and the principles can be applied to many aspects of life and business.”
When the former Ashland Water Technologies segment was acquired by private equity in 2014, the new ownership turned to AWT’s then-President John Panichella to lead the specialty chemicals company to newfound growth. As CEO of Solenis, he has delivered, building a global business with more than 16,000 employees at 70 sites around the world in a range of water-intensive industries, including municipal water treatment, paper production and residential cleaners. He helped orchestra the $4.6 billion deal for Diversey in 2023 – the largest acquisition by a Delaware-based company in many years. That has not slowed Solenis down. As the company celebrated its 10th anniversary, Solenis has inked new deals and acquired new processes in the food and beverage sector as well as mining solutions.
