Vibrantz Technologies announces executive leadership changes

HOUSTON, June 20, 2023 – Vibrantz Technologies today announced that effective July 1, 2023, the company has created a new role on its executive team to advance synergy capture and organic growth projects across its three global business segments. Matthias Bell, president of Vibrantz’s Performance Coatings segment since April 2022, will move into the role of executive vice president, corporate engineering and capital project management. Bell will lead a dedicated global team responsible for executing on major capital projects and optimization of the company’s global operations footprint, enabling its three business units to focus more directly on commercial and operational excellence. Also effective July 1, Vibrantz will welcome Dennis Karnstein, formerly of Sherwin-Williams, to its leadership team as the new president of its Performance Coatings segment.

“Over the last year, Matthias’ expertise in large-scale manufacturing projects has been evidenced by the successful turnaround of underperforming sites and the exit of suboptimal businesses,” said D. Michael Wilson, Vibrantz CEO. “Matthias’ leadership will be essential as we invest in critical value-creation and organic growth projects. Moreover, the new structure will ensure excellence in major project execution.”

Prior to his new role, Bell was president of Performance Coatings at Vibrantz since April 2022. Prior to Vibrantz, he served as group vice president, global operations with Ferro and oversaw the global manufacturing, sourcing and supply chain, and corporate EHS and product stewardship functions. Throughout his career with Ferro, Bell was at the forefront of acquisitions, geographic expansion, innovation and large-scale manufacturing and footprint optimization projects.

“I am also very pleased to welcome Dennis to our executive team as president of our Performance Coatings segment,” continued Wilson. “He has a strong history of driving integration success, sales growth on a global scale, and building world-class teams. Dennis’ leadership and experience will serve us well as we accelerate new specialty coatings product development, geographic expansion and organic growth.”

Before joining Vibrantz, Karnstein spent over 30 years at Sherwin-Williams as an executive leader in the U.S. and Europe. Prior to his departure from the company, he served as senior vice president of corporate strategic initiatives, a role he held since 2022. From 2020 – 2022, Karnstein was president and general manager of the company’s Engineered Polymer Solutions group and their facilities in the Americas, EMEA and India. He was president of EMEA and India from 2019 – 2020, and president and general manager of Industrial Wood Coatings from 2017 – 2019. In 2016, Karnstein became senior vice president of global integration and led Valspar acquisition integration efforts. He was also senior vice president and president and general manager of the Product Finishes group from 2014 – 2016. Karnstein held other leadership roles in marketing and sales from 1998 – 2014. He holds a bachelor’s in business from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s in business from John Carroll University.

About Vibrantz Technologies

Vibrantz is a leading global provider of specialty chemicals and materials whose purpose is to bring color, performance and vibrancy to life. Serving over 11,000 customers, our products and technologies serve a wide array of applications and make their way into myriad consumer products. With key competencies in particle engineering, glass and ceramic science and color technology, Vibrantz has leading positions in specialty mineral and chemical additives for batteries, electronic components and construction; dry powder pigments for paints and coatings, thermoset plastics and thermoplastics; and high-performance glass coatings and porcelain enamel solutions. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company employs approximately 5,000 people and operates 65 manufacturing sites across six continents. Visit vibrantz.com to learn more.