Elevance appoints Tony Parnell CEO

Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. announced the appointment of Tony Parnell as CEO, succeeding K’Lynne Johnson, who has transitioned to a new role as executive chairperson of Elevance’s board of directors, effective Oct. 23.

As CEO, Parnell’s initial priorities will be to enhance commercialization of Elevance products that have already been introduced and take full advantage of the strategic portfolio that Johnson has established, for faster speed-to-market that is consistent with the company’s vision.

“Tony brings more than 30 years’ experience leading specialty chemical operations, especially in sales and supply chain execution,” Johnson said. “His background gives Elevance proven industry expertise in efficient and effective business practices necessary for revenue growth and profitability. We are pleased to welcome him to the company.”

Parnell previously served as a corporate officer of Albermarle Corp., a premier specialty chemicals company headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., U.S.A. He was most recently corporate vice president, global sales and supply chain, where he oversaw all aspects of Albemarle’s global supply chain, including sales, procurement and logistics, as well as the company’s global office sites. During his tenure at Albemarle, Parnell held several positions of increasing responsibility, including managing director, European and Middle East operations. Parnell held a six-year assignment in Albemarle’s Brussels office where he led all aspects of the region, including manufacturing, research and development and sales.

Additionally, Parnell was responsible for creating the company’s global sales and strategic account management organizations from Albemarle’s headquarters. As corporate vice president, polymer solutions, he was responsible for the company’s approximately USD 1 billion polymer additive operations. During his management, this global business unit posted record profits.

Parnell graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering. He has recently served as a board representative on the Baton Rouge Arts Council and is currently a board member of Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge.

Headquartered in Woodridge, Ill., U.S.A., Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. creates novel specialty chemicals that perform better from renewable feedstocks. Using a proprietary technology called olefin metathesis, the company delivers specialty chemicals that exceed the performance of existing products while leaving a smaller environmental footprint — for use in personal care products, detergents and cleaners, engineered polymers, lubricants and additives, and other specialty chemicals markets.