HBM Holdings announced that Kenny Messer has been named President and Chief Executive Officer at HarperLove. HarperLove, which was acquired by HBM in January 2020, is a leading provider of specialty adhesives, performance additives and wet-strength resins. Messer will report to Anderson Fincher, President and CEO of HBM Holdings.
Kenny Messer has more than 15 years of senior executive leadership in the chemical industry. He joins HarperLove from Arkema where he recently held the position of President Coating Resins Americas. In addition, he was the Executive Liaison for Sales/Commercial Excellence across Arkema including leadership for the Global Key Account Organization. Previously he held the role within Arkema of President Sartomer Americas.
Before joining Arkema in 2014, Messer held roles of increasing responsibility at Milliken Chemical including Vice President of Specialty Chemicals and Packaging division as well as numerous commercial and business leadership positions.
A native of western North Carolina, Kenny obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Chemistry from Western Carolina University and supplemented his education with business studies in Advanced Management from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.
Andy Fincher commented, “On behalf of HBM, I am delighted to welcome Kenny as the next leader to guide HarperLove through this chapter of their growth journey. Kenny’s strong commercial background, global perspective, and leadership experience will facilitate building the future of HarperLove.”
“I am thrilled to be joining the HarperLove team,” said Kenny Messer. “I believe HarperLove is a promising business with tremendous growth potential and a talented group of people. The organization is uniquely positioned to serve our customers and to expand into adjacent markets.”
About HarperLove
Founded in 1978, Charlotte, NC-based HarperLove is the leading provider of performance additives, specialty adhesives, and wet-strength resins to the corrugated packaging industry. HarperLove’s full range of adhesive products is backed by the largest and most experienced technical service team in the industry. HarperLove has secured a long-standing reputation helping the corrugated industry achieve better operational and financial performance through quality service and products. For more information, visit www.harperlove.com
About HBM Holdings
HBM Holdings is an investment management firm that acquires, supports, and operates middle-market businesses in industrial products and services. The HBM portfolio currently includes the following companies: Mississippi Lime Company, Schafer Industries, HarperLove, and Control Devices. www.hbmholdings.com