David Phillips

  • Over 40 years of multi-national, business development and turnaround management experience as a senior chemical industry executive. Current focus is specialty chemicals, energy by enhancement of traditional sources and brand security.
  • Board member and COO of Summit Research Labs, acquired by MVC in 2006, with subsequent bolt on acquisitions of Westwood Chemical and Reheis. Launched Summit Custom Spray Drying with a grass roots plant.
  • Former President of ICO Americas (Nasdaq: ICOC) and advisor to CEO, 2004 - 2009 for turnaround and successful sale to A. Schulman for ~ $200 million (or 15.2x EBITDA).
  • Former President and CEO of Alcolac, Inc. and Sherex Chemical co., Inc., companies with combined sales of $350 million. Added $200 million in value as realized on the sales of these companies in six years.
  • In two years, returned Sherex (owned by Schering AG) to substantial profitability after four years of increasing losses. Sherex was then sold to Witco.
  • First CEO of biotechnology (Biocode) and photochemical (PhotoSecure) start-ups through 7 rounds of financing. Biocode was the foundation of Authentix, which Carlyle bought for $135 million in 2008.
  • As General Manager of the Houdry Division of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., revamped obsolete petrochemical technology to pioneer the worldwide production and use of MTBE as a replacement octane enhancer for lead in gasoline. Today, investments have exceeded $10 billion.
  • Senior Executive, 16 years with ICI.
  • Education: Majored in Chemistry with B.A.(Hons), B.Sc. and M.A. Oxford University, UK

Present Activity

  • Operating Partner for MVC Capital
  • Board Member at Summit Research Labs, Inc.
  • Founder and COO at Summit Custom Spray Drying
  • Board member at U.S. Gas & Electric
  • CEO at ISIS Chemical Inc.