October 6, 2025, 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, has added three new directors: Bernardo Montes, Ph.D.; Steven (Steve) Roth, Ph.D.; and Richard (Rich) Karpowicz, Ph.D.
Bernardo Montes, Ph.D., is a highly accomplished operations management professional with extensive experience driving operational excellence within global organizations across diverse international environments. Over the course of his distinguished career, he held positions of increasing authority with Thyssen Henschel S.A., Thyssen Gus S.A., Thyssen Stearns Inc., and Milliken & Co. Fluent in English and Spanish, Montes holds a master’s degree in industrial engineering, an MBA, and a doctorate from the University of Oviedo.
“My operational background is rooted in a passion for solving problems with people,” Montes said. “I thrive on being hands-on, analyzing the facts and data, and being creative and open to exploring solutions to overcome challenges. Learning new things and seeing others grow is the most rewarding part of my work. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with ChemQuest and look forward to meeting the rest of the team and contributing to our efforts in operational excellence.”
Steven (Steve) Roth, Ph.D., has built extensive specialty chemicals expertise in a range of sectors, including fine fragrance, home care, coatings, adhesives, and animal feed additives, over the course of his career with Emerald Kalama Chemical and later Lanxess. He most recently served as director of finance and growth for Cowboy Country Law. Roth earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Northwest Nazarene University, an MBA from the University of Oregon, and a doctorate in bio-organic chemistry from the University of Nevada.
“Building on my years of experience in a rapidly evolving specialty chemical company, I am excited to bring my skills in synthesis R&D/applications, business development, finance, and manufacturing as assets within ChemQuest,” Roth said. “In previous roles, I was involved with the implementation of the impressive work that ChemQuest had provided. Now I am excited to use my expertise while contributing to projects for other firms.”
Richard (Rich) Karpowicz, Ph.D., is a chemist and an ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt with four decades of experience in adhesives, tapes, labels, and medical devices. Bridging R&D, operations, and quality to scale products from lab to factory, Rich most recently served as the owner of Adhesive Tape Label LLC. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Saint Joseph’s University, as well as a doctorate in chemistry (physical organic) from the University of Delaware.
“I’m truly honored to join the ChemQuest team,” Karpowicz said. “The team’s commitment to customer projects, coupled with a professional excellence rooted in substance and technical depth, is rare and inspiring. I’m excited to contribute to the innovative work we’re doing.”
“Now more than ever, clients are turning to us for perspective, expertise, and support,” said Daniel Murad, ChemQuest CEO. “Bernardo, Steve, and Rich have all developed extensive expertise over the course of their fantastic careers. Their insights and know-how will prove invaluable in support of client projects around the world.”
To learn more, please email info@chemquest.com or visit https://chemquest.com.
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About the ChemQuest Group, Inc.
The ChemQuest Group, Inc. is widely recognized among raw material suppliers, formulators, 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. For more information, visit https://chemquest.com.