August 19, 2008 — Nanophase Technologies (www.nanophase.com), a developer of nanomaterials and advanced nanoengineered products, announced that Joseph Cross, president, CEO and board director, has tendered his resignations to pursue other management opportunities effective August 13, 2008.
During his tenure with the company, Mr. Cross began with a start-up level business and built its capability, its commercial viability and its visibility in an emerging marketplace. Nanophase recognizes his achievements and wishes him well. He will be replaced by Jess Jankowski as acting CEO, who is currently serving in positions including the Company’s VP of finance and CFO. Mr. Jankowski is well positioned for this role given the depth and tenure of his involvement in the business.
“I’m pleased to have the opportunity to help to continue to build on our solid foundation and to lead the company to the next level,” Mr. Jankowski says. “My confidence in Nanophase, its family of technologies , its products and processes, its customers and its greatest asset–its people–remains very high”
The company also accepted the resignation of Kevin Wenta, EVP of sales & marketing, effective August 13, 2008. Mr. Wenta, who wants to explore top management positions with his chemical and commercial development background, was responsible for important sales and market innovations that have provided Nanophase with a more solid pipeline than ever before . Nanophase appreciates his contributions.
His responsibilities will be assumed by David Nelson, VP of sales. Mr. Nelson is an executive who brings more than 15 years of sales, marketing and business development experience. Most recently prior to joining Nanophase, Mr. Nelson started and managed the LCD business for Eastman Chemical Company.
Also announced was the appointment of board member George Vincent to the post of vice chairman. Mr. Vincent is chairman and commercial development officer of The HallStar Company, a chemical manufacturer serving polymer and personal care markets worldwide, where he served as CEO for more than twenty years. Mr. Vincent’s chemical industry experience and association connections will aid Nanophase in building its visibility, credibility and commercial value.
Don Perkins, the company’s chairman, commented that “the efforts of Jankowski, Nelson, Vincent and the seasoned Nanop