Three familiar names in materials recently have wrapped up their plastics careers.
Brian Pruett, Dwight Morgan and Bob Walker all had a positive impact and will be missed. They worked both in public posts and behind the scenes for their companies for many years.
One of the realities of being in plastics for a good chunk of time — as I have — is that you suddenly find yourself knowing more people who are retiring. At the recent Plastics News Executive Forum, one of our attendees said to me "You're one of the … (awkward pause) … tenured people at Plastics News." I thought "tenured" was a very diplomatic word to use. I now plan to use it myself.
Of the recently retiring trio, Pruett was the most recognizable name. He reported prices for polyethylene and other resins for Houston-based Chemical Data Inc. for almost 30 years. In that role, Pruett often found himself at the center of arguments about pricing. If I had a dollar for every time Pruett's name was mentioned to me as I worked on PN's resin pricing, I'd be on a beach somewhere.
Pruett worked for resin maker Lyondell (now LyondellBasell) in sales and marketing and market research for 12 years before joining CDI in 1995, so he knew resin markets very well.
"It is time for the next chapter," Pruett wrote on LinkedIn. "For more than 40 years … I have called the North American petrochemicals and plastics industry my second home.
"While challenging and time consuming keeping up with all the industry's shenanigans, this endeavor has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally while raising a family, investing in real estate, and routinely hitting the gym (except publication week)."
Pruett also thanked "all of the fantastic people — my colleagues and thousands of clients — I have met along the way who always had time for 'a quick call to discuss the markets' and to 'answer a few questions' "He also thanked his wife, Tracy, who proofread his reports for more than 12 years.
Morgan began his career in the early 1980s, working in communications for Hanna Mining Co., a Cleveland firm that evolved into M.A. Hanna Co., a major plastics company that exists today as Avient Corp.
Along the way, Morgan worked in strategic planning and M&A for Hanna before moving into operations and running six of the firm’s color materials plants. From 1998-2012, he owned and operated Accel Color, his own compounding firm based in Avon, Ohio.
He then joined resin distributor M. Holland Co. of Northbrook, Ill., in 2015 as vice president of corporate development, later becoming executive vice president in that area. M. Holland was sold to Ravago Group in 2023.
"Plastics has been a fantastic place to make a career … it gets in your DNA and it's hard to leave," Morgan said. "You witness first hand the diversity of the economy and all the ways there are to make a living.
"I was blessed to work for some great companies and leaders in meaningful roles, and I have a vault of fond memories," he added "Most important, I've made some lifelong friends."
Walker worked in communications and other areas for materials maker Covestro and its predecessor firms for almost 46 years. He held 18 different positions at four U.S. locations before wrapping up his career in Pittsburgh.
Walker did a great job working with the media to make sure that Covestro's message came across in a positive but fair manner. This is a tough balancing act, but he did it well.
"It's been a great ride and after nearly 46 years here, I'm looking forward to what's next." Walker said in an email announcing his retirement.
Here's hoping that Brian Pruett, Dwight Morgan and Bob Walker enjoy their well-deserved retirements.