CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), a leader in the global specialty chemicals industry, announced today its decision to elect president and chief executive officer, Luke Kissam, as chairman, effective November 7, 2016. He assumes this title in addition to his current responsibilities as president and chief executive officer. Kissam succeeds Jim Nokes, who will continue to serve on the board of directors and will act as lead independent director.

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20111129/MM14279LOGO

"It has been my distinct honor to serve as chairman of the board of directors, and I am confident in Luke's ability to lead this board. In his new role as chairman, he will help ensure leadership continuity as Albemarle grows. Luke and the management team under his leadership deserve the highest praise for their roles in transforming Albemarle through the acquisition, integration and growth of the lithium business acquired from Rockwood Holdings in early 2015," said Nokes.

Kissam began his role as chief executive officer of Albemarle in September 2011 and was elected to the board of directors in November 2011.

About Albemarle
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is a global specialty chemicals company with leading positions in lithium, bromine, refining catalysts and applied surface treatments. We power the potential of companies in many of the world's largest and most critical industries, from energy and communications to aerospace and electronics. Working side-by-side with our customers, we develop value-added, customized solutions that make them more competitive. Our solutions combine the finest technology and ingredients with the knowledge and know-how of our highly experienced and talented team of operators, scientists and engineers.

Discovering and implementing new and better performance-based sustainable solutions is what motivates all of us. We think beyond business-as-usual to drive innovations that create lasting value. Albemarle employs approximately 6,900 people and serves customers in approximately 100 countries. We regularly post information to www.albemarle.com, including notification of events, news, financial performance, investor presentations and webcasts, non-GAAP reconciliations, SEC filings and other information regarding our company, its businesses and the markets it serves.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Albemarle Corporation that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111129/MM14279LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/albemarle-board-of-directors-elects-luke-kissam-as-chairman-300358894.html

SOURCE Albemarle Corporation