Interface Performance Materials, a global provider of advanced materials, sealing solutions, thermal management systems and specialty products, has announced the newest members of its executive team. The company says these strategic appointments put a focus on breakthrough innovations to better serve Interface’s customers globally and to continue expand its markets.

Dr. Krishna Venkataswamy joins Interface Performance Materials as senior vice president and chief technology officer, bringing strong technology leadership expertise and a broad business perspective. With proven results in the elastomer industry, Venkataswamy will lead his team in developing a cutting-edge technology roadmap that aligns with customers’ business needs and strategic direction.

“My focus is value addition by meeting our customer needs with future trends in technology,” said Venkataswamy. “I am excited to be a part of the executive team at Interface Performance Materials. I am looking forward to collaborating with our customers who are proven innovators.”

Venkataswamy’s contributions to the technology and business world have been widely recognized. In 2012, he received the Society of Plastics Engineers’ (SPE) prestigious Research and Engineering Technology Award for his technology innovation contributions and commercial success in the Thermoplastic Elastomer industry. In addition, Venkataswamy has been honored with a variety of additional awards, notably the SPE Fellow Award in 2006, the Outstanding Achievement Award for SPE Leadership in 1999, and the American Chemical Society’s Sherwin-Williams Award in Applied Polymer Science in 1986.

Prior to joining Interface, Venkataswamy served as senior global technology director of GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers, PolyOne Corp. He led innovation, product development, application development and materials science and technology. He was responsible for innovation centers in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Venkataswamy received a Ph.D. in polymer science and engineering from Case Western Reserve University, and a Master of Science in materials science and engineering from the University of Florida. He earned his Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology.

Alex Konya joins Interface Performance Materials as the newly appointed vice president, global marketing and product management, bringing more than 20 years of expertise and leadership in delivering innovative, problem-solving technologies to the market. With a focus on understanding market needs, Konya leads strategic initiatives aimed at improving product demand, quality and overall cost. To improve collaboration and value to its customers, Konya will work to align the sales and engineering groups to develop the product roadmap.

“Bringing value to our customers through the development of innovative products that deliver a necessary solution is at the core of my thinking,” said Konya. “Sound product development is based on asking the right questions about market needs and customer pain points. Joining a team with the same foundational mindset is a win right from the start.”

Konya received his Master of Business Administration in marketing from Case Western Reserve University and his Bachelor of Science in business administration from John Carroll University. Prior to joining Interface, he was employed by PPG Industries as a strategic marketing director for its Industrial Coatings Americas division.

“With the expertise and leadership offered from Venkataswamy and Mr. Konya, we are confident in our ability to continue delivering valued, break-through engineered solutions and remain true in our belief that a stronger company is a win for all Interface stakeholders,” said Victor Swint, president and CEO.