July 15, 2026, Cincinnati, OH — The ChemQuest Group, a global consulting firm focused on tailored business strategy and optimization, technology acceleration, market intelligence, and M&A advisory services for the specialty materials industry, is pleased to announce that Cheng-Le (Lee) Zhao, Ph.D., has joined the firm as vice president.
Zhao brings more than 35 years of global research, technology, innovation, and business leadership experience in specialty chemicals, with particular expertise in emulsion polymers, polyurethanes, waterborne coatings, adhesives, construction materials, and fiber-bonding applications. Throughout his distinguished career with BASF, he held a series of technical and leadership positions across North America, Europe, and Asia. Over the years, his roles included regional head of Technology & Development for Asia Pacific, director of Technology for BASF’s Dispersions & Pigments Division in North America, R&D manager for BASF Polyurethanes, and senior technical manager for Product Development.
Widely recognized for his expertise in latex film formation, multi-phase emulsion polymer design, low-VOC technologies, and structure-property-performance relationships in waterborne systems, Zhao is the inventor or co-inventor of more than 30 patents and author or co-author of 32 scientific publications. He has also been an active contributor to industry education and scientific collaboration, serving as an instructor at the International Waterborne, High-Solids and Powder Coatings Symposium, California Polytechnic State University coatings programs, and numerous industry conferences. In addition, he led collaborative research programs with the University of Minnesota, the University of Southern Mississippi, and the University of Toronto, helping advance the scientific understanding of latex film formation, colloidal materials, and coating performance.
Zhao earned his B.S. degree in polymer science from East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai, China, and his Ph.D. in physical chemistry of polymer materials from the University Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg, France. He is fluent in English, Chinese, French, and German.
“Throughout my career, I have enjoyed working with customers, colleagues, and research partners to solve challenging technical problems and transform scientific understanding into practical business solutions,” said Zhao. “ChemQuest’s strong reputation, deep technical expertise, collaborative culture, and commitment to helping clients succeed make it an ideal fit. I look forward to continuing to learn, collaborate, and contribute while helping clients navigate opportunities for innovation and growth.”
“Cheng-Le’s combination of deep technical expertise, global leadership experience, innovation track record, and passion for customer success makes him an outstanding addition to our team,” said Daniel Murad, ChemQuest chairman. “His extensive knowledge of specialty materials, polymers, and coatings, combined with his collaborative approach and international perspective, will provide tremendous value to our clients worldwide. We are delighted to welcome him to ChemQuest.”
To learn more, please email info@chemquest.com or visit https://chemquest.com.
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Media Contact:
Susan Sutton, Director of Marketing & Communications
+ 1 513.623.2075 | ssutton@chemquest.com
About The ChemQuest Group, Inc.
Founded 50 years ago, The ChemQuest Group, Inc. is widely recognized among raw material suppliers, formulators, end users, and financial investors for its value creation. ChemQuest’s four service pillars include Business Strategy & Transformation; M&A Advisory Services; Operational Excellence; as well as Technology Development through the ChemQuest Technology Institute and ChemQuest Powder Coating Research. Our cross-functional team includes former senior managers from major manufacturers, business owners, and senior technical managers, including Ph.D. scientists, with a minimum of 25 years of experience in specialty chemicals and formulated products. For more information, visit https://chemquest.com.
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