Paul became CEO of Ascensus in January 2024 and brings over 25 years of global leadership of technology focused, high growth businesses. Most recently, Paul served as CEO of Air Liquide Advanced Materials, a leading supplier of specialty chemicals to the electronics industry. Previously he held numerous positions of increasing positions at Air Liquide, Micro Component Technology, and the U.S. Navy where he served as a nuclear submarine officer. Paul is a graduate of the University of Virginia, U.S. Navy Officer Nuclear Power Program, and advanced management programs at the London Business School.

Manuel is a seasoned financial expert and executive advisor with extensive global experience in both private and public sectors. Currently serving as Chief Financial Officer, he is also a skilled board member who specializes in driving business turnarounds, carve-outs, joint ventures, and start-ups.

Prior to Ascensus Specialties, Manuel has successfully led the finance function for three distinct companies within the New Mountain Capital and Wind Point Partners investment portfolios. Before that, during his 9+ years with TPG, he held leadership roles for more than 20 portfolio companies, often serving as Interim CFO across a variety of industries.

Earlier in his career, Manuel honed his financial acumen through nearly 18 years in leadership positions at General Electric, building a robust foundation in financial management and strategic decision-making.

Mario Sandoval serves as COO for Ascensus Specialties. He joined the predecessor VPC in November of 2017. Mario has over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and supply chain operations and has worked in the plastics, fiberglass, pulp/paper and chemical sectors. Prior to AS, Mario founded M&R Management LLC, a consulting company focused on improving supply chain efficiencies in acquisitions for process industry-based companies.

Mario has also worked in numerous capacities, primarily focused on global operations and supply chains for A. Schulman, Citadel Plastics, Hollingsworth and Vose, Johns Manville and General Electric. Sandoval received two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Chemical Engineering and another in Computer Science from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Emma Sceats has a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams to deliver commercial strategy and growth across the chemical and biotechnology industries. She obtained a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Oxford and a Masters in Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Before joining Ascensus Specialties in January 2025, Emma served as SVP Marketing, Sales & Service with NASDAQ-listed antibody and life science tools company, Abcam. Emma was a member of the leadership team that led Abcam's $5.7B sale to Danaher Corp in December 2023 . Prior to Abcam, Emma spent a decade as CEO leading two VC-backed life science companies. Her career highlights include scaling businesses globally, fostering innovation, and developing strategic partnerships to accelerate commercial success.

As Chief Commercial Officer at Ascensus, Emma oversees the company’s global commercial operations, focusing on enhancing customer value, expanding market presence, and driving sustainable growth.

Chris Anderson serves as the Chief Product, Technology, & Strategy Officer for Ascensus Specialties LLC. He joined the company in August 2017. Chris was Director of Product Management and Innovation Lead for O-I, the world’s largest glass container company enabling food and beverage brands to deliver experiences consumers desire. Prior to O-I, Chris spent 12 years at Eastman Chemical Company in numerous commercial, innovation, marketing, research and operational leadership roles. Chris received a M.S. in Polymers and Coatings Science from North Dakota State University and an MBA from University of Tennessee. Chris is also a graduate of the Wharton School of Business’ Professional Development Program.

Leah joined the team when Ascensus acquired Callery, LLC in late 2019 where she was serving as the HR Business Partner. Before her role at Ascensus, Leah was the HR Business Partner of WESCO Distribution from 2015-2017 and the Human Resources Director of PLS Logistics Services from 2008 to 2015.

In her HR career, Leah has been part of leading business transformations, business development, talent and leadership growth initiatives, and employee engagement programs. Leah has over 15 years of experience in the human resources field in both hands-on work as well as various leadership positions.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and her Master’s in Human Resources from Robert Morris University. Leah is an active member of the local and national Human Resources organizations (PHRA/SHRM).

Michael Matragrano serves as Senior Vice President for Electronics and Energy Transition at Ascensus Specialties. With nearly three decades of experience in the semiconductor industry, including his tenure as Senior Director of Specialty Materials & Precursors at Intel, Michael brings deep expertise in advanced materials and transformative technologies.

In his role at Ascensus, Michael leads the company’s efforts to drive growth in the electronics and energy transition markets. He is responsible for developing strategies and overseeing day-to-day business performance, ensuring Ascensus delivers innovative, high-quality chemistries that meet the demanding requirements of these critical industries.

Michael holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Cornell University and is based in Portland, OR. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, he is focused on advancing Ascensus’ mission to create sustainable value for customers and partners worldwide.

Michael Lacy serves as the Vice President of Corporate Development for Ascensus Specialties. He has over 25 years of experience in corporate development, M&A, and investing.

Before joining Ascensus, Michael was at W. R. Grace & Company, where he held the position of Director of Corporate Development, Strategy, Planning and Integration. He led the Corporate Development and Capital Planning activities globally for Grace and its four business units, and was responsible for managing M&A, strategy, investment activities, and other special projects. Prior to W. R. Grace, Michael was the Managing Director at Westover Capital where he led projects and managed corporate development and M&A activities on behalf of clients. Throughout his career, Michael has helped companies create shareholder value by leading complex transactions, improving processes, developing strategies, and managing projects for global companies. Michael also worked for Snowbird Capital, Tandus Group, and Bank of America Securities.

Michael earned a M.B.A. from the College of William and Mary and a B.A. in Government and Economics from George Mason University. He has served on the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee and is a member of the Association for Corporate Growth. His community involvement has included work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Habitat-for-Humanity, Little League, and the Boy Scouts.