KMG Chemicals chief to step down, be replaced by board chairman

Specialty chemical maker KMG Chemicals Inc. says its chief executive is stepping down next month and will be replaced on an interim basis by the company’s board chairman.

The announcement follows on the heels of the Houston-based company’s recently completed acquisition of the Ultra Pure Chemicals business from OM Group.

J. Neal Butler, who joined the company in 2004 and has been CEO since 2007, will resign as an officer and director effective July 10, KMG Chemicals said in a statement Friday.

Christopher T. Fraser, chairman of KMG’s board of directors, will serve as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is named. An executive search firm has been tapped to help in finding a successor.

Butler said his decision to leave the company was not easy, but he is looking forward to traveling and spending more time with his familyFraser is an industry veteran who has been CEO of two chemical companies. He has served on KMG’s board since 2008.

KMG Chemicals produces and distributes specialty chemicals to the electronic and industrial wood treatment chemical markets.

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