Richard McNeel, who joined Lord Corp. as CEO in 2002, has also taken over the chairman spot at the Cary-based company.
Since taking a hit during the recession, the company has seen a rebound in demand for its adhesives, coatings and other products that help control noise and vibration in vehicles, heavy equipment, airplanes and more. Last year, sales rose to $720 million.
The privately held company announced today that its board elected McNeel as chairman, replacing Sheldon Buckler, who has held the job since 2000. Bucker will remain on the board.
Under McNeel's leadership, Lord Corp. has expanded in Asia and Europe, with international sales now accounting for nearly half of the company's total.
Lord Corp., which was founded in 1924, now employs about 2,600 people worldwide, including 300 in Cary.
In 2009, the company responded to the downturn by cutting about 8 percent of its global workforce, but has since resumed hiring.
During the recession, Lord Corp. also reduced other expenses, including spending on compensation, travel, computers, relocation and recruiting.
Assistant Business Editor Alan M. Wolf joined the N&O in 1999 covering the business of health care. He became an editor in 2001, and helps oversee the paper's daily business coverage and Sunday Work&Money section. He lives in Clayton with his wife and two children. Reach him at 919-829-4572 or