Robert D.

Robert D. has extensive work experience in the chemical industry, holding various leadership positions throughout their career. Robert started at Dow Chemical in 1997, where they worked as a Senior Scientist/Project Leader, managing products and teams and leading high-profile projects. From 2004 to 2008, they served as the Asia Pacific Dow Latex Technical Director, overseeing multiple technical service and development labs across Asia-Pacific and contributing to the establishment of a world-class R&D center in Shanghai.

In 2008, they joined Valspar as the Asia Technical Director, leading a large technical team and supporting the company's growth in various business segments. Robert was later appointed as the Global Technical Director for Valspar's Consumer Business, responsible for global product and technology innovation, as well as regulatory compliance and quality assurance for the North America Business.

In 2015, Robert D. took on the role of Global Technical Director for Asia Technology at Valspar, focusing on the company's future growth in the region. Robert managed technical teams supporting different businesses and led the Core R&D group, overseeing research on resin, colorants, and analytical/material science.

Following Valspar's merger with Sherwin-Williams in 2017, Robert D. became the Global Technical Director for International Projects, working on the integration of the two companies with a focus on Asia. Robert then transitioned to the role of Vice President of R&D at Sherwin-Williams, where they led the Global Industrial Wood R&D group, developing technology and IP strategies, driving innovation in coatings, and improving product quality.

In 2021, Robert D. joined The ChemQuest Group as a Vice President, before moving on to Novagard in 2022 as the Vice President of Research and Development. Currently, they hold the position of Vice President of Technology for the Advanced Materials Division at The Lubrizol Corporation, where they continue to contribute their expertise and leadership in the chemical industry.

Robert D. holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of Detroit Mercy. Robert later obtained a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Computer Science from the same university the following year. Robert then pursued further education and completed a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Polymer Chemistry/Material Science from the University of Minnesota from 1992 to 1997. Lastly, they earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Marketing Management from Rutgers University between 2005 and 2007.