The ChemQuest Group has hired Ezio Braggio as ChemQuest Europe’s newest vice president. With over 35 years of experience working as an executive for both Sherwin-Williams (formerly Valspar Corp.) and PPG Industries, Braggio recently retired as regional president of Europe, Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI) for Sherwin-Williams.  

From 2011–2017, Braggio worked as president, EMEAI, and corporate vice president of what was then Valspar, where he identified and executed strategic acquisitions and joint ventures for 10 business units in the region, including acquiring and integrating INVER and ISVA and developing long-term contract terms with Crown Packaging Corp., Ball Corp., Massilly, Mivisa Envases, Ardagh Group, and Litalsa. Braggio’s leadership of Valspar EMEAI culminated in a newly restructured European leadership team that contributed to significant growth in its Packaging portfolio following non-BPA conversion. He also worked on the full integration of INVER, helped to increase market share in the coil coatings market, and worked on the divestiture of Valspar’s non-core businesses (Graphic Arts and Laser Sintering Powder).

Following Sherwin-Williams’ acquisition of Valspar, Braggio coordinated the EMEAI business, which consisted of over 4,000 employees and more than 20 manufacturing plants, and by 2018 contributed to the integration of Valspar EMEAI into Sherwin-Williams.

From 2005–2011, Braggio served as president and CEO of Sealy EMEA and SAPSA Latex, with global responsibility for latex products development. Highlights of his six-year tenure with the bedding manufacturer include improvements in customer relations and the signing of a new contract with IKEA.

Prior to 2005, Braggio served in various leadership roles at PPG. During a 21-year tenure, his responsibilities included general manager, refinish paint, and accident management EMEA, where he helped to accelerate growth in new segments (Fleet and Light Industrial Coatings) and increased sales through the acquisitions of MaxMeyer and ICI Autocolor.

“I have long admired ChemQuest’s strategic expertise in chemical business’ organic and inorganic growth,” said Braggio. “Combined with forward integration into materials science through the ChemQuest Technology Institute, this presents a unique partnership model for client success in geographic market expansion and increased global market share.”

ChemQuest CEO Dan Murad said, “Working with the ChemQuest team, our clients in specialty chemicals can increase EBITDA aided by Ezio Braggio’s proven chemical business know-how in strategic and tactical planning to ensure their superior competitive position moving forward. We are excited about the increased demand for our firm’s services that led to expanding ChemQuest Europe’s scope and breadth by recruiting Ezio Braggio, and adopting his Fortune 500 model to bolster our internal culture of excellence.” 

For more information, visit www.chemquest.com.