#USA #Cleveland #CEO Appointment #Avient Corporation #Mike Frank

Mike Frank Steps Up as New CEO of Avient Corporation

Avient Corporation, a prominent player in specialized and sustainable material solutions, has made a significant leadership change by appointing Mike Frank as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The announcement comes after Dr. Ashish K. Khandpur stepped down from his role, although he will continue to assist in an advisory capacity until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.

Mike Frank's impressive background includes his most recent role as CEO of UPL Corporation, where he excelled in transforming operations and driving substantial revenue growth. His tenure at UPL, a thriving global company in the agricultural sector with operations across over 130 countries, is marked by a strong emphasis on innovation and efficiency. Frank's strategic focus has not only expanded UPL's product pipeline but also successfully launched numerous new products that fueled resilient growth.

Before leading UPL, Frank spent a remarkable 25 years at Monsanto, transitioning through various leadership roles that culminated in his position as the global Chief Commercial Officer. Notably, he served as the CEO of Nutrien Ag Solutions, spearheading a transformative initiative during his time there.

Richard H. Fearon, the Lead Independent Director of Avient, praised Frank's extensive experience and track record in the agricultural chemicals industry, emphasizing his capability in navigating complex global organizations. Fearon articulated the confidence the Board has in Frank to propel Avient forward, utilizing his operational expertise and leadership skills to enhance market penetration and profitability. Frank’s diverse international experience, gained from living and working in Canada, Europe, China, and the United States, adds a unique perspective to Avient’s strategic vision.

In his initial statement as CEO, Frank expressed enthusiasm for his new role, highlighting the impressive foundation at Avient characterized by its innovative technologies and talented workforce. His immediate focus will be on fine-tuning execution strategies and maximizing performance, all while upholding Avient's commitment to developing materials solutions that benefit clients and promote sustainability.

Frank's appointment signals a pivotal moment for Avient as it continues its mission of leveraging innovation to help its clients navigate the rapidly evolving marketplace. The company's wide array of offerings includes advanced composites, functional additives, and other material solutions designed to meet contemporary environmental challenges and market demands.

The Board also took a moment to acknowledge Dr. Khandpur’s contributions, noting his success in repositioning Avient with a forward-thinking strategic plan. His efforts in enhancing research and development activities left a lasting imprint on the company’s trajectory.

As Avient moves forward under Frank’s leadership, the company remains committed to its previously established financial guidance for the upcoming quarters, ensuring stability during this transition period. Investors can look forward to the upcoming third quarter earnings report, scheduled for November 4, 2026, which will provide further insights into the company’s performance.

About Mike Frank

Mike Frank is a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience in the agricultural chemical sector. Before taking the helm at UPL Corporation, he held key leadership roles at Nutrien Ag Solutions and was pivotal at Monsanto in various capacities related to global sales and market strategy. His educational background includes an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan.

About Avient

Avient Corporation aims to innovate material solutions that assist customers in achieving success while contributing to a sustainable world. With over 9,000 employees globally, the company combines local engagement with a robust global network to deliver cutting-edge solutions designed to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities presented by the dynamic market landscape. The company continues to push boundaries in technology while aligning its objectives with sustainability values.