LBB Specialties Appoints Thomas Van Valkenburgh President & CEO

LBB Specialties LLC, a leader in specialty chemicals and ingredient distribution in North America, has named Thomas Van Valkenburgh president and chief executive officer.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead LBB Specialties,” said Van Valkenburgh, incoming CEO of LBB Specialties. “I look forward to working with the team to build upon the strategic capabilities developed under Hank’s leadership to drive growth and provide excellent service to our principals and customers.”

Van Valkenburgh succeeds Hank DeWolf, who will remain with the company as a senior advisor, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity for LBB Specialties’ employees, principals and customers.

As CEO, DeWolf led the successful integration of seven legacy businesses into a unified company operating under the LBB Specialties brand. Under his leadership, LBB Specialties recruited talented commercial executives to lead the company’s industry verticals and added significant capabilities including implementing company-wide ERP and CRM systems, building a combined food and personal care lab, upgrading and expanding the company’s Texas warehouse and office, and opening a new corporate headquarters.

Tenure with IMCD and Beyond

Van Valkenburg joins LBB Specialties from Kerry Group, where he was president of the specialty chemicals business, prior to which he was president of IMCD US. During his tenure with IMCD, Van Valkenburgh successfully led a period of significant profitable growth while capitalizing on the opportunities presented by integrating several acquired businesses. Prior to joining IMCD, Valkenburgh was with Cristal in various general management, operations and sales positions over time.