UK-listed global specialty chemical company Elementis plc, announced the appointment of Paul Waterman as Group CEO-Designate to replace David Dutro. Waterman is currently Global CEO of BP Lubricants and will take up the role when Dutro retires early next year.

Waterman, who joined BP in 1994, has held several senior leadership roles within BP since it acquired Burmah- Castrol in 2000. He has been Global CEO of BP’s lubricants business since July 2013.

Waterman holds a B.Sc. degree in Packaging Engineering from Michigan State University and an MBA in Finance and International Business from New York University, Stern School of Business.

“Paul’s extensive experience and accomplishments speak volumes and he will bring considerable skills, knowledge and a proven track record in developing markets, products and opportunities for creating growth, as well as in the areas of business optimisation and transformation. I am very excited by the prospect of working with Paul to deliver sustainable growth and the level of value creation that our shareholders have come to expect,” said Chairman Andrew Duff.

Waterman, 51, will be based in Elementis’ East Windsor, N.J., U.S.A. office.

A further announcement to confirm the effective dates of the above changes will be made later.

The Elementis’ group comprises three businesses: Specialty Products, Chromium and Surfactants. Both Specialty Products and Chromium hold leading market positions in their chosen sectors. Elementis employs more than 1,300 people at more than 30 locations worldwide.