PolyOne Hires Dr. Christopher J. Murphy as Chief Innovation Officer

CLEVELAND, May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PolyOne Corporation (NYSE: POL), a premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, today announced that Dr. Christopher J. Murphy has joined PolyOne as vice president, research and development and chief innovation officer.

Dr. Murphy replaces Dr. Cecil Chappelow, who is retiring after an accomplished 38-year career in the specialty chemicals industry.

In this role, Dr. Murphy will have global responsibility for driving innovation and developing new solutions and applications across all markets by collaborating with PolyOne's technical teams, corporate marketing group, business units, and external technology resources and institutions. 

Dr. Murphy has established an impressive track record of global innovation and new product development at leading specialty chemical companies, including Lubrizol, Elementis Specialties and Nalco Chemical Company.  In his 27-year career, he has demonstrated the ability to lead global teams to develop innovative solutions for customers in a variety of industries.  He earned a PhD in organic chemistry from Tufts University and a bachelor's of science in chemistry from Boston College. 

"A key component to our transformation has been providing innovative solutions and services to our customers," said Stephen D. Newlin, chairman, president and chief executive officer.  "I am pleased that PolyOne has added an exceptional and innovative leader to drive our research and development efforts going forward and am confident that Chris will make an immediate, positive impact in our ongoing commitment to deliver value to our customers and shareholders."

"At the same time, I offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to Cecil Chappelow, who has been an integral and important leader to PolyOne since the onset of our transformational journey," Mr. Newlin added.  "We wish him the best in retirement."

About PolyOne

PolyOne Corporation, with 2011 revenues of $2.9 billion, is a premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions. Headquartered outside Cleveland, Ohio USA, PolyOne has operations around the world. Consistent with the company's strategy of specialty growth and global expansion, in December of 2011 PolyOne acquired ColorMatrix Group, Inc., a highly specialized company with a premier suite of additive technologies and a leading market position in liquid colorants.  For additional information on PolyOne, visit our website at www.polyone.com.

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SOURCE PolyOne Corporation