Our client, a highly respected NYSE-listed company, manufactures carbon compounds and commercial wood treatment products. Their products are used in a variety of niche applications in a diverse range of end-markets, including the aluminum, railroad, specialty chemical, utility, rubber and steel industries.  They serve their customers through a comprehensive global manufacturing and distribution network, with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Australia, China, United Kingdom and Denmark.

 

The business has two principal divisions:  Carbon Materials & Chemicals and, Railroad & Utility Products.  Through their Carbon Materials & Chemicals business (65% of global sales and the primary business in China), they are the largest distiller of coal tar in many locations around the world including North America, Australia, United Kingdom and Scandinavia.  Coal tar is processed into five principal products: (a) carbon pitch, used in the production of aluminum and steel; (b) phthalic anhydride, used in the production of plasticizers and polyester resins; (c) creosote and carbon black feedstock, used in the treatment of wood or as a feedstock in the production of carbon black; (d) carbon black, used in the manufacture of rubber tires; and (e) naphthalene, used primarily as a surfactant in the production of concrete. 

 

Carbon pitch, phthalic anhydride, creosote (and carbon black feedstock) and naphthalene are produced through the distillation of coal tar, a by-product generated through the processing of coal into coke for use in steel and iron manufacturing.  During the distillation process, heat and vacuum are utilized to separate coal tar into three primary components: carbon pitch (approx. 50%), creosote oils (approx. 30%) and chemical oils (approx. 20%). 

 

Approx. 90% of carbon pitch is sold to the aluminum business, typically under long-term contracts ranging from three to five years.  These contracts are predominately negotiated by centralized sales departments in the United States, Australia and Europe. 

 

In China, their business is well established and successful including two existing manufacturing facilities in North China together with further expansion plans.

The client is currently searching for a Vice President for their China business to succeed their existing Western Expatriate who will return home.

Reporting to both the Sr. Vice President - Global Carbon Materials & Chemicals, and the Global President & CEO, the successful incumbent will be responsible for directing and coordinating all activities of the China business including production and operations, pricing, sales, marketing, procurement, logistics and finance.  Other responsibilities include the board position of Vice Chairman in both the existing Joint Ventures.  Additional responsible include:

Graduate degree.  Preferably an MBA.

Fluency in written & spoken Chinese and English.

The position compensation will be attractive and negotiable to the right candidate, comprising of a very competitive base salary supplemented by a performance oriented bonus opportunity and benefits where appropriate.