Quaker Houghton Welcomes Mark A. Douglas as New Chairman Following Michael F. Barry's Retirement

Quaker Houghton Welcomes New Leadership

In a significant leadership change, Quaker Houghton (NYSE: KWR) has announced the appointment of Mark A. Douglas as the Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. This transition follows the retirement of Michael F. Barry, who has served with distinction on the board since 2008, including 17 years as Chairman. This announcement was made on May 13, 2026, from the company’s headquarters in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

Mark A. Douglas, who has been a director alongside Barry since 2013, expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is a great privilege to succeed Mike. His leadership has been invaluable to both the Board and our shareholders.” During Barry's tenure, Quaker Houghton achieved remarkable growth and executed around 30 strategic acquisitions, firmly establishing itself as a leader in industrial process fluids.

Barry, reflecting on his time with the company, noted the substantial accomplishments made under his leadership and emphasized that it was the right moment for him to retire. He also highlighted the promising future of the company under the current CEO, Joe Berquist, whom he has closely worked with for over 20 years. “Joe is the ideal leader for this Company going forward given his intimate knowledge of the businesses, product lines, employees and customers,” Barry mentioned.

The board has taken the step to reduce its size from eleven to ten directors as part of this leadership transition. In light of this change, the role of Lead Independent Director was also eliminated.

Joseph A. Berquist, the CEO and President of Quaker Houghton, praised Barry’s legacy, characterized by thoughtful leadership and significant contributions. To honor Barry's tenure, the company plans to name the new employee learning and conference center at its headquarters after him. Additionally, it will sponsor a fellowship at Drexel University, where Barry is an alumnus.

Quaker Houghton operates in over 25 countries, serving various industries including steel, automotive, aerospace, and mining with innovative and sustainable solutions. The company boasts a workforce of around 4,700 professionals committed to enhancing operational efficiency through technological advancement and expert support.

As Douglas steps into this pivotal role, he brings a wealth of experience from his previous positions, including his tenure as a leader in a global chemical firm. He is well-regarded within the board and already chairs the Governance Committee. This experience positions him favorably to guide Quaker Houghton as it navigates the complex landscape ahead, ensuring continued success and value creation for its shareholders.

With this leadership change, both the board and company express optimism about the path forward, with Douglas at the helm and the established management team working towards a bright future for Quaker Houghton.