CONSHOHOCKEN, PA — Quaker Houghton appointed longtime board member Mark Douglas as chairman, completing a leadership transition following the retirement of former chairman and chief executive Michael Barry after nearly three decades with the industrial chemicals company.
The company stated Douglas assumed the role immediately, succeeding Barry, who also stepped down from the board. In connection with the retirement, the board reduced its size from 11 directors to 10 effective May 13.
The leadership change comes as Quaker Houghton continues navigating slower industrial demand in several manufacturing markets while pursuing long-term growth initiatives under Chief Executive Officer Joseph Berquist.
Douglas, who has served on the board since 2013 and chaired the governance committee, previously led a global chemicals business and has been closely involved in the company’s acquisition and governance strategy during a period of expansion.
“It is a great privilege to succeed Mike,” Douglas said, crediting Barry’s tenure with helping drive “significant growth, solid shareholder returns, and approximately 30 strategic acquisitions.”
Barry served on Quaker Houghton’s board since 2008 and spent 17 years as chairman. He previously retired as chief executive more than four years ago.
“It has been over 4 years since I retired as CEO, and now is the proper time to retire from the Board,” Barry said, adding that the company was “in a strong place” under Berquist’s leadership.
Quaker Houghton also disclosed governance changes tied to Douglas becoming an independent board chair. The company eliminated the lead independent director role, previously held by Jeffry Frisby since 2023.
Berquist described Barry’s tenure as “one of achievement” and outlined plans to name an employee learning and conference center at the company’s new headquarters in Barry’s honor.
The company also plans to sponsor the Michael F. Barry Quaker Houghton Manufacturing Leadership Fellowship at Drexel University, Barry’s alma mater.
Quaker Houghton, which supplies industrial process fluids and specialty chemical products used in manufacturing, has expanded significantly through acquisitions over the past two decades as consolidation reshaped segments of the global industrial chemicals sector.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.