Ingevity Corporation today announced that it has named John C. Fortson as the company’s president and CEO, and that he would join the board of directors. Fortson had previously served as Ingevity’s executive vice president, CFO and treasurer. The appointment will be effective September 1, 2020.

 

“John presented the board with a compelling vision and strategy for ‘Ingevity 2.0,’ based on his familiarity with the company and its unique culture,” said Rick Kelson, chairman of the board. “His business acumen and credibility with capital markets, combined with his innate leadership skills, make John an ideal selection for Ingevity’s next CEO.”

 

Over the past six months, a CEO Search Committee, led by Michael Fitzpatrick, chair of the board’s Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee—with the help of executive search firm Spencer Stuart—conducted an exhaustive search including internal and external candidates. “The board took a very diligent and thorough approach to filling this key role,” said Fitzpatrick. “The process enabled us to make a strong, confident selection that will serve to benefit all of Ingevity’s stakeholders.”

 

Fortson joined Ingevity in October 2015 from AAR Corporation where he served as vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer since July 2013. Prior to joining AAR, he spent almost 15 years in the investment banking department of Bank of America Merrill Lynch, working in the firm’s New York, London and Chicago offices. As a managing director, Fortson had responsibility for advising capital goods and heavy machinery companies. He spent seven years as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army. His last assignment was as a parachute rifle company commander in the 82nd Airborne Division. Fortson is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

 

“All of us at Ingevity are grateful to Rick for his leadership as interim CEO during an unprecedented time,” said Fortson. “I’m looking forward to working with the board and my friends and colleagues at Ingevity to create the next phase of our company’s successful journey. Our strategy remains fundamentally the same. However, we will focus on sustainability, customer centricity and innovation to drive growth. It’s a new day for the company, and we’re ready to get to it.”

 

Fortson will continue to serve as the company’s CFO and treasurer on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is named.