New Chair, Vice-Chair and Directors appointed to CIAC Board
October 28, 2025
The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michel Brassard, Regional Operations Manager, National Silicates, as its new Chair of the Board of Directors, and Rick Babington, President and COO, Wentworth Technologies as Vice-Chair at its recent board of directors meeting held in Toronto.
“CIAC has played an integral role in advancing Canada’s chemical industry through its commitment to Responsible Care®, sustainability, and policy advocacy that fosters innovation, investment, job creation and environmental stewardship. At its founding 40 years ago, Responsible Care was revolutionary because it marked the first time an entire industry voluntary chose to go beyond compliance, leading with safety, transparency, and a deep commitment to doing what’s right simply because it’s who we are. I am honoured to take on the role of Chair and look forward to working closely with the CIAC team and my industry peers to support the responsible grow of our sector,” said Mr. Brassard.
Mr. Brassard is a veteran of Canada’s chemical manufacturing industry, overseeing operations across National Silicates facilities with a strong emphasis on safety and environmental compliance. His leadership has been recognized with numerous accolades, including a 2012 award from Polytechnique Montréal, the engineering school affiliated with the University of Montréal, for excellence in mentoring engineering interns. Based in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec, he has also demonstrated a strong commitment to transparency.
“We are delighted to welcome Michel and Rick to their new leadership roles on the Board. Both are highly regarded across the industry and bring valuable experience and insight to CIAC’s strategic governance,” said Greg Moffatt, President and CEO, CIAC.
As officers, Michel and Rick will help guide the Association’s efforts to strengthen member value, advance sustainability leadership, and reinforce CIAC’s trusted voice and governance across Canada’s chemistry and plastics sectors. Rick’s active leadership within the Plastics Division brings an important perspective to the Board, reinforcing CIAC’s commitment to an integrated, unified association representing all members of Canada’s chemistry and plastics value chain.
“CIAC also extends its sincere appreciation to Rocky Vermani of NOVA Chemicals Corporation, who served as Chair over the past year. His thoughtful leadership helped advance the Board’s priorities during a period of transition and renewal at CIAC. We will continue to benefit from Rocky’s leadership as he continues to serve on CIAC’s Board of Directors.”
New Directors Appointed
CIAC is also pleased to welcome the following new Directors to the Board:
- Marian Von Hoeck, Managing Director, BASF Canada
- Karen Bryant, Supply Chain Vice President, Chemtrade Logistics
- Alejandro Munoz, Plant Manager, Methanex Corporation