Please tell me about your work at Ingevity and how you ended up in Charleston.

I am the VP of Operations for Ingevity, and my responsibilities include all aspects of the production process for our product portfolio. I started with Ingevity in Brazil and was transferred to our plant in Louisiana and then to Charleston 3 years ago.

You’ve lived all around the world. What does CHS have that other mid-sized markets don’t?

Charleston is the perfect sized place. It doesn’t have all the problems of big cities, like traffic and violence, but still offers several options for entertainment with outdoor activities being the best!

Ingevity is on the front lines of innovation. Can you share some examples that people may not know about?  

Ingevity has innovation as one of the drivers for our success. Here at the plant, we invest a lot in projects to make our processes safer and more efficient year after year. Our technical center is constantly launching new products that protect, purify and enhance everyone’s lives! We know our customers depend on Ingevity to help them develop high performing, sustainable solutions as their businesses and markets grow and change, and we are able to meet those needs because of our focus on innovation. A good example is ANG (adsorbed natural gas) technology that allows the use of natural gas to fuel cars, buses and vans. Another example is Evotherm Pavement, which reduces heat and CO2. This not only benefits our customers, but also the workers laying down the pavement and the general public.

What have been your biggest challenges to date? Are any of those barriers surprising?

The biggest challenge in my job is always around safety. It’s important to emphasize this every day to make sure everyone leaves the plant the same way they came in. We want no surprises, and we are always prepared for the unexpected! I’m really proud of my team and thankful for having such a talented group of people working with me.

Do you have any advice for new grads or people relocating to Charleston who seek work in your industry?

Developing a career in chemical industries is extremely promising and very dynamic. You can have a job right after high school as a shipper and grow to be a senior operator and supervisor. We also have a lot of chemical engineers in all levels of leadership. I’d definitely advise new grads to explore this industry, and of course (a little bias here), mainly with Ingevity.

Describe your ideal, quintessential Charleston day.

My perfect day would include exercising (outdoor run), having lunch in one of the many delicious restaurants we have here, playing soccer, kayaking, and to finish the day, enjoying a good beer in a local brewery.

Questions about working in Charleston? Connect.

• Find job openings in the Charleston region
• View careers at Ingevity
• Connect with Leandro on LinkedIn