COLUMBIA, Md., Nov. 03, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE:GRA) announced today that Julie Fasone Holder has been elected to its Board of Directors. Her election increases the board from seven to eight members.

Grace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Fred Festa said, “We are pleased to add such a highly qualified member to our board. Julie brings strong marketing and operational experience and deep chemical industry knowledge, which will help us execute on our growth and productivity programs, and capture significant opportunities ahead.”

Ms. Holder has been the Chief Executive Officer of JFH Insights LLC, a consulting firm primarily dedicated to leadership coaching for high potential women executives, since founding the company in 2009. Previously, Ms. Holder served as Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing, Sales and Reputation Officer, U.S. Area Executive Oversight of The Dow Chemical Company from 2007 until her retirement in 2009. Before that, she was Dow’s Vice President, Human Resources, Public Affairs and Diversity and Inclusion from 2006. Prior to that, Ms. Holder served in various positions with increasing seniority at Dow from 1975 to 2006, including several commercial leadership positions with global responsibilities. She currently serves on the boards of Eastman Chemical Company, The Committee of 200 (C200), and the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan.

About Grace

Built on talent, technology, and trust, Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and engineered materials. The company’s two industry-leading business segments—Catalysts Technologies and Materials Technologies—provide innovative products, technologies, and services that enhance the products and processes of our customer partners around the world. Grace employs approximately 3,700 people in over 30 countries. More information about Grace is available at grace.com.