DE222 Honoree: John Panichella – Delaware Business Times [Video]

Title: CEO

Workplace: Solenis

Alma Maters: University of Pittsburgh, University of Phoenix

Boards: American Chemistry Council, European Chemical Industry Council, United Way of Delaware

Q&A: Best advice for your younger self? “Take on assignments that make you uncomfortable, you will learn a lot and build your skills and competencies faster.”

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 15,000 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 this year – the largest acquisition by a Delaware- based company in many years.