Dr. Elie Saad is the President and CEO of Kopp Glass, Inc. effective December 1 2018. Saad succeeds Grant Wirth who is retiring after a decade of innovative and prosperous leadership of the company. Wirth will continue to serve the company as chairman of the Board following his retirement.
About Saad’s appointment, Wirth said, “He brings to us an impressive combination of expertise and leadership experience that will undoubtedly enable great things in the future of the company.”
Saad stated, “I am very impressed with the path Kopp has set, and I look forward to leading this organization as we continue our growth strategy into the future.”
Saad began his career with Mobay (Bayer) in the area of Glass and Ceramics research. Before joining Kopp, his most recent position was Head of Corporate Development at LANXESS Corporation where he served in leadership roles since the company’s formation in 2005. From 2006 until 2016, Saad held foreign assignments in both Germany and Dubai, U.A.E. At LANXESS, Saad’s responsibilities were integral to top line growth, cost optimization, and increased profitability.
With extensive background in both physics and management, Saad brings a unique perspective to Kopp. His experience bridges organizational focus with the scientific prowess at the heart of Kopp’s purpose—to manufacture moulded technical glass for demanding applications.
Saad is a graduate of The Catholic University of America with a Ph.D. in Materials Physics. He is an active member of the Pittsburgh community, serving as a board member for the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.
Kopp Glass, Inc. is the worldwide leader in hand moulded, technical glass manufacturing. For over 90 years, Kopp has developed unique glass solutions for technical, industrial, and commercial applications. Kopp operates in a single, integrated manufacturing facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kopp’s diverse team of expert engineers, creative mold designers and fabricators, and highly skilled glass craftsmen collaborate with customers to help them bring innovative, competitive products to market. Kopp products are used in diverse industries from aerospace and defence to traffic signal lighting and medical equipment.
www.koppglass.com