COLUMBIA, Md., May 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE:GRA) today announced that its Board of Directors has designated Hudson La Force to succeed Fred Festa as Chief Executive Officer. La Force, who currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer, will become CEO in the fourth quarter upon Festa’s retirement. Previously, Grace announced that Festa will retire as CEO and remain as non-executive Chairman.

Christopher J. Steffen, Lead Director and Chair of the Board’s Nominating and Governance Committee, pointed to La Force’s deep understanding of Grace’s customers and operations, strategic vision, proven leadership, and track record as key reasons for the selection. “Grace is well positioned with market leading businesses and excellent prospects for solid growth,” said Steffen. “Hudson is a talented leader with command of the strategic levers needed to grow our company, and is a strong successor to Fred Festa.”

La Force has been Grace's President and Chief Operating Officer since February 2016 with responsibility for Grace's Catalysts Technologies and Materials Technologies business segments and global manufacturing and supply chain operations. He joined the company as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2008. Prior to joining Grace, he served as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Counselor to the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education. Before entering public service in 2005, he held general management and financial leadership positions with Dell, Inc., AlliedSignal, Inc. (now Honeywell), Emerson Electric Co., and Arthur Andersen & Co.

About Grace

Built on talent, technology, and trust, Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and engineered materials. The company’s two industry-leading business segments—Catalysts Technologies and Materials Technologies—provide innovative products, technologies, and services that enhance the products and processes of our customers around the world. With approximately 3,900 employees, Grace operates and/or sells to customers in over 60 countries. More information about Grace is available at grace.com.