Palmer Holland, Inc. CEO Announces Retirement and Succession Plan
W. Bryn Irvine Announces Plan to Retire as Chief Executive Officer, Will Continue to Serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors; C. Bradley Steven Identified as Successor to Chief Executive Officer Role Effective June 30, 2021.
Palmer Holland, Inc. announces W. Bryn Irvine will retire as Chief Executive Officer effective June 30, 2021. Irvine will remain as Chairman of the Board of Directors. C. Bradley Steven, who has served as President since 2017, will replace Irvine as President and CEO.
Irvine began his career as an account manager in the Palmer Supplies Company’s Cincinnati, Ohio office in 1986 before moving to the Cleveland, Ohio office in 1996 to assume a sales management role. Irvine was instrumental in the merger of Palmer Supplies Company and Harry Holland Company in 2002 and led the acquisitions of Focus Chemical in 2005 and Triad Lubrication Components, LLC in 2010. During his tenure as CEO, Palmer Holland, Inc. grew from a regional specialty chemical distributor to one that covers the entire United States and Canada in five strategic markets.
The culmination of Irvine’s career came when he facilitated the conversion of the privately-held company to an Employee Stock Ownership Program in 2019, giving all employees a direct stake in the company’s long-term success. His decision to retire will bring a remarkable career in service to Palmer Holland and the specialty chemical and ingredient distribution industry to a close.
“I have had the privilege of working in the chemical distribution industry for more than 35 years, and leading Palmer Holland has been the highlight of my career,” said Irvine. “It has been an absolute pleasure working with our remarkable employees and to witness the expansive growth of the company. I believe now is the right time, though, to start transitioning the leadership of the company as it will allow me to spend more time with my family.”
Commenting on his new role, Steven said, “It has been a great privilege to learn from such an industry veteran over the last several years, and I am honored to have been chosen to succeed Bryn and lead such an amazing team going forward.”
About Palmer Holland
Established in 1925 as Palmer Supplies Company, today Palmer Holland is a North American specialty chemical and ingredient distributor of raw materials headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio with 40+ account managers and ingredient consultants stationed across the United States. We are a private, employee-owned company which allows us greater flexibility in the marketplace and a dedicated platform for long-term success. This flexibility enables us to provide our customers and principals with the most effective and efficient solutions. Our partners are rooted in the areas of Agriculture, CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers), Health & Nutrition, Lubricants, and Plastics. For more information about Palmer Holland, please visit our website at www.palmerholland.com.
Contact:
Palmer Holland, Inc.
Kevin Collins
25000 Country Club Boulevard
Suite 444
North Olmsted
OH 44070-5531
Desk: 440-385-2756
kcollins@palmerholland.com
