James F Kirsch

Kirsch retired as chairman, CEO and president of Ferro Corp. in 2012. Prior to joining Ferro in 2004 he was president of Premix Inc. and Quantum Composites, manufacturers of products for the automotive, aerospace, electrical, and HVAC industries. He had also served as president for Ballard Generation Systems and VP for Ballard Power Systems of Burnaby, British Columbia. He formerly spent 19 years with Dow Chemical Co., where he held numerous positions, including global VP of electrochemicals. James F. Kirsch is President and Chief Executive Officer of Ferro Corporation. He joined Ferro in 2004 as President and Chief Operating Officer, became President and Chief Executive Officer in 2005 and added responsibilities as Chairman in 2006. Prior to joining Ferro, Mr. Kirsch served as president of Premix Inc. and Quantum Composites, manufacturers of thermoset molding compounds, parts and sub-assemblies for the automotive, aerospace, electrical and HVAC industries. Earlier, he served as president and a director for Ballard Generation Systems and vice president for Ballard Power Systems in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Mr. Kirsch began his career with The Dow Chemical Company, where he spent 19 years in positions of increasing responsibility, including global business director of propylene oxide and derivatives and global vice president of electrochemicals. Mr. Kirsch received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Ohio State University. He currently serves as a member of the board of directors of the United Way of Greater Cleveland, the American Red Cross, Greater Cleveland Chapter, John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio, and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.