New Chair and Vice-Chair appointed to the CIAC Board of Directors

October 18, 2017

The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) welcomes Pierre Ducharme, Manager, Olin Canada ULC as Chair of the Board of Directors for 2017-2018. Mr. Ducharme follows outgoing Chair Deborah Stephens. Marcelo Lu, President, BASF Canada will serve as the Board’s Vice Chair for the next year.

Pierre Ducharme has worked mostly in the chemical and explosives sector for Olin since 1981, holding various positions over the years, from production manager of the explosives division of the McMasterville plant, to director of engineering in Bécancour.

Lu was appointed President of BASF Canada in early 2016 and since then, has chaired BASF Canada’s Executive Committee and Leadership Team. He is responsible for implementing regional and global strategies for the company.

“With these new appointments, CIAC continues a tradition of having a strong, dedicated Executive Committee to guide the business of the association. Pierre and Marcelo’s years of expertise will be invaluable in realizing the association’s strategic objectives,” said Bob Masterson, CIAC President and CEO. “We’d also like to thank Deborah Stephens for her time as Chair and wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
Additionally, CIAC welcomes several new Board Directors – Tyler Edgington, Dow Chemical Canada ULC, James Richie, Imperial, Ron Koniuch, CCC and Helder Botelho, Lanxess Canada.

View the full CIAC Board of Directors here.

PIERRE DUCHARME

Regional Canadian Manager, Olin Canada ULC
Chairman, Chemistry Industry Association of Canada

 

Pierre Ducharme has worked primarily in the chemical and explosives sector for the Olin Company (formerly CIL – ICI – Pioneer) since 1981. During his long career he has worked in many areas of the companies including Resident Engineer in England; Production Manager, Explosives Division, McMasterville plant; and Director of Engineering at the Bécancour plant.  Mr. Ducharme also serves as the President of the Comité des entreprises et organismes du Parc industriel de Bécancour.

MARCELO LU

President , BASF Canada
Vice-Chairperson, Chemistry Industry Association of Canada

Lu leads BASF Canada’s internal business support groups. He is also responsible for the implementation of the company’s global and regional strategies in the country.
Prior to moving to Canada, Lu was Vice President, Business Management Polyamides and Precursors, for BASF in Asia Pacific. He has held various positions within BASF Group, including global lead buying positions for natural gas based products and derivatives and Staff to a Board Member. Prior to joining BASF, Lu held several consulting positions at International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector development arm of the World Bank, in Washington, DC.

Lu has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University (Washington DC, USA).