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Wikoff Color Announces Appointment of Mark C. Lewis as New Chief Executive Officer

by wcadmin|09.27.23

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2023

FORT MILL, SC — Wikoff Color Corporation is pleased to announce the selection of Mark C. Lewis as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer. Mark brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the specialty chemicals and specialty materials sectors, making him an ideal fit to lead Wikoff into its next chapter of growth and innovation.

During his twenty-plus years at Honeywell International, a Fortune Global 250 enterprise, Mark demonstrated strong leadership skills as he ascended through various divisions, culminating in his roles as Global Sales Director and Global Business Director.  Subsequently, he became General Manager of the Fine Chemicals business at Vertellus, followed by Jacob-Holm hiring him as President of its Sontara® Specialty and Performance Materials business. Most recently, Mark served as President of Custom Laminating Corporation in Mount Bethel, PA.

Mark earned his BS in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina and completed Executive Management Programs at both the Kellogg Graduate School of Business at Northwestern University and the Graduate School of Business at the University of Chicago.

Mark will succeed Geoff Peters as the President and CEO of Wikoff.   During Geoff’s tenure as CEO, Wikoff’s geographic footprint and sales grew substantially; and, the Company also returned considerable cash back to shareholders in the form of stock buybacks and dividends.  Geoff led Wikoff through global expansion and multiple acquisitions while navigating numerous headwinds, including market consolidation, rapid technological change, challenging supply chain conditions and the global pandemic. Wikoff’s employee owners and its Board of Directors are grateful for Peters’ tenure as CEO.

Wikoff’s CEO selection process, initiated over a year ago when Geoff announced his intention to retire in the fall of 2023, involved the diligent efforts of Wikoff’s Board Search Committee and was assisted by an outside search firm. After an extensive review and vetting of many impressive internal and external candidates, Mark emerged as the Board’s unanimous choice to lead the company forward.

“Mark’s alignment with Wikoff’s unique employee-owned culture, combined with his expertise and track record of success, made him the ideal candidate to lead Wikoff forward,” remarked a spokesperson from the Board of Directors. “The Board also wants to extend its gratitude to all Wikoff’s employees for their unwavering dedication, and for continuing to serve all of our valued customers with excellence during this period of transition.”

Mark officially assumed his role on September 11th, following his introduction at Wikoff’s Annual Stockholders Meeting on August 24th.

After a brief transition period, Geoff, will continue to provide guidance to the company in an advisory capacity while remaining a member of the Board of Directors.