AMCOL CEO to retire after 32 years

Hoffman Estates-based AMCOL International Corp. today announced that President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Lawrence E. Washow, will retire Dec. 31 after 32 years of service. AMCOL also announced the promotion of Chief Operating Officer Ryan F. McKendrick to replace Washow on Jan. 1.

In addition, AMCOL announced that the board has elected McKendrick to the board of directors, effective the same day. McKendrick is expected to serve on the executive committee.

Washow was named a director of AMCOL in 1998 and became president and chief executive officer in 2000. During his tenure as president, company sales increased from $250 million in 1999 to more than $700 million in 2009.

“It has been a privilege to lead this great company for the past ten years,” Washow said. “I am proud of our accomplishments and the initiatives we have put in place and I have great confidence in AMCOL's future.”

“The board thanks Larry Washow for his leadership and dedicated service over his 32 year career with AMCOL,” said John Hughes, chairman of the board. “Larry is leaving the company in strong financial shape with an experienced management team.”

AMCOL, headquartered in Hoffman Estates, produces and markets a wide range of specialty minerals and materials used for industrial, environmental and consumer-related applications.