Scranton, PA, June 7, 2016 – United Gilsonite Laboratories (UGL), Scranton, PA announced today that James Tates has been appointed 4th Chief Executive Officer, effective July 5, 2016. Current President Thomas White stated his intention to retire effective December 31, 2016. Tates comes to UGL from The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. He has had a diverse career with strong Consumer Packaged Goods companies such as The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Philips Lighting Company, Newell-Rubbermaid, and Novartis Consumer Pharmaceuticals. Tates has a proven record of business operational transformation, market penetration and profitable growth across a variety of consumer driven businesses ranging from private equity backed start-ups to industry leading global CPG companies.
Mr. Tates most recently held the position of President U.S. West Region & Latin America at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Houston, TX. He holds an MBA from Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania and a BS from State University of New York, Cortland, New York.
“The Board of Directors was unanimous and enthusiastic in appointing Mr. Tates to be the next CEO of United Gilsonite Laboratories. Mr. Tates is the right person to build on UGL’s history and core strengths, and successfully lead the company into the future,” said Thomas White, the company’s retiring President.
“Mr. Tates is an influential leader whose combined experience in the home improvement retail sector makes him the ideal candidate to head UGL,” said Bruce Legan, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Search Committee. “We were fortunate to have interviewed a number of outstanding candidates during our national search. Mr. Tates stood out because of his inspiring leadership skills, solutions-oriented nature, collaborative style and deep commitment to building a strong future for UGL.“
“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to lead UGL. I look forward to working with the Company’s dedicated staff and continuing the long-standing tradition of excellence,” said Tates. “UGL has a strong reputation for quality products and service in the home improvement industry. I am delighted to be working with the UGL team, dealers and associations to build on their strong foundation for a lasting tomorrow.”
Mr. Tates will be based at UGL headquarters in Scranton, PA, and will be relocating his family to the Greater Scranton Area.
