MacIver to Lead Pilot Chemical as CEO in 2026

CINCINNATI -- Pilot Chemical Company, a privately owned specialty chemical manufacturer, has announced today CEO Mike Clark is retiring effective December 31, 2025.
 
Clark will join the company’s Board of Directors in 2026, and Christian MacIver, Pilot President and COO, will succeed him as CEO, effective January 1, 2026.

The move comes as part of a planned leadership succession strategy that has enabled the third-generation, family-owned company to continue to grow and innovate over the last 73 years.

A chemical industry veteran with 40 years in the business — spanning from sales and marketing to business development, strategic planning, and operations leadership — Clark joined Pilot in 2018 as Chief Operating Officer. In 2019 he was named President, and two years later he assumed the position of President and COO. He was named CEO effective January 1, 2022.

“Mike’s steady leadership, drive for results, and care for employees and our customers over the past seven years have positioned Pilot for continued growth,” said Paul Morrisroe, Chairman of the Board. “We are grateful to Mike for his leadership and the strong foundation he has helped build for the company’s long-term success. We're excited to welcome him to our Board and look forward to his continued contributions to the Pilot team.”

MacIver joined Pilot in early 2023 with nearly 30 years of commercial management and supply chain experience in the chemical industry. She has worked alongside Clark for the last two years, leading operations and a successful growth-and-innovation strategy that will guide the company for years to come. In addition to her role at Pilot, she also serves on the American Cleaning Institute’s Board of Directors.

“Christian is the perfect person to lead the company and to build upon the strong base that she and Mike have established,” Morrisroe said. “The shareholders and the company’s Board are thrilled to continue working with Christian as she leads Pilot in the coming years.”

When MacIver assumes the top leadership position at the start of 2026, she will oversee eight locations and nearly 350 employees.

Pilot Chemical Company is a privately owned and independent global specialty chemical manufacturer and industry leader in chemical innovation and safety. Pilot is certified under both ISO 9001:2015 and the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care program. Pilot is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, with additional sites located in Ohio, Texas, New Jersey and Mexico.

For more information, visit www.pilotchemical.com