Hallstar appoints new CEO to accelerate growth 

USA – Hallstar, a global leader in speciality chemicals, announced a significant leadership transition with Carmen Masciantonio named as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective in 2026. 

Carmen Masciantonio is expected to leverage her deep industry knowledge and strategic vision to guide Hallstar through the next phase of growth and operational excellence.

He will succeed the current CEO, John J. Paro, who steps down as CEO in 2026, marking a planned and strategic succession within the company’s leadership.

Paro will remain on the company’s board, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing strategic guidance. 

Under Paro’s leadership, Hallstar expanded its market presence, advanced its portfolio of speciality chemical solutions, and strengthened its financial performance, positioning the company for future growth.

Chief Human Resources Officer and Board Vice Chair, Ashley P. Gertz, remarked on Carmen’s fitness for the leadership role.

She stated,  “We are fortunate to have someone with Carmen’s wide-ranging experience and industry knowledge prepared to succeed John Paro as CEO, but his dedication to Hallstar’s unique corporate culture is equally important.”

“Carmen consistently demonstrates a passion for people and their professional development, and he knows that the greatest employee opportunities and rewards will be the result of Hallstar’s consistent growth.”

Carmen Masciantonio brings to the role extensive experience in the speciality chemicals industry, having held senior leadership positions that demonstrate her strong expertise in driving innovation, operational excellence, and business growth. 

He joined Hallstar in 2001 through the acquisition of RTD Chemical, where he had worked since 1995.

He began as Business Director for Hallstar Personal Care Ingredients and progressed to Vice President, Supply Chain, and General Manager in 2013, focusing on aligning product management with sourcing. 

Between 2016 and 2018, Masciantonio served as North America Region Vice President, overseeing P&L, sales, and sourcing, later becoming President of Industrial Solutions in 2019 and COO in 2022, along with Interim President of Hallstar Beauty & Personal Care from 2023 to 2024. 

The transition underscores Hallstar’s proactive approach to leadership development and succession planning, aiming to maintain momentum in innovation and market leadership. 

Meanwhile, Hallstar Beauty, the personal care division of Hallstar, stands out as a global innovator in ester chemistry and sustainable formulation science. 

The company has carved a niche in skin care, sun care, hair care, lip care, and colour cosmetics by blending technical precision with eco-conscious innovation.

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