Mark Fern

Mark Fern is an experienced operations leader specializing in sustainable lithium-ion battery materials, currently serving at Ascend Elements since 2023. Previously, Mark held the position of Americas Director of Operations and Supply Chain at CRC Industries, overseeing multiple production facilities and operations management. Experience includes roles such as Plant Manager at Solvay and Arkema, where significant improvements in manufacturing and plant turnaround were achieved. Mark also contributed as Engineering Manager at Valspar and Pilot Plant Leader at Renmatix, with a foundational career at Rohm and Haas, where contributions led to substantial cost savings and productivity enhancements. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and an MBA in Strategic Decision Making and Operations Management from Indiana University Bloomington.