Monolith appoints former Orion project leader as new COO

Lincoln, Nebraska – Carbon black manufacturer Monolith has named Russell Webb as its chief operating officer (COO) to oversee the strategic expansion and scalability plans of the US company.

Webb has 35 years' experience in materials and manufacturing, with “proven success in leading carbon black and product adjacent operations,” said a 7 Nov Monolith announcement.

His previous experience includes leadership roles at Texaco, Huntsman, Columbian Chemicals, Orion Engineered Carbons and INEOS Styrolution.

Prior to joining Monolith, Webb was VP of operations at INEOS Styrolution, where he led manufacturing, engineering, and capital projects for four polymer plants.

He oversaw the engineering, procurement and construction of a new $550 million greenfield ASA Polymer plant that is expected to begin commercial operation in 2023.

Webb also led manufacturing, engineering and capital projects for five Orion carbon black plants in North and South America.

In those projects, said Monolith, Webb “improved reliability, yielded cost reductions, developed strategic technology improvements and led health, safety and regulatory compliance.”

As COO of Monolith, Webb will manage manufacturing, environmental health & safety, capital projects and supply chain, the company also pointed out.