Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
FXI Taps Knaub to Oversee Research and Development
September 29,
2016 by Jane Chero in Executive Changes, Industry 
Polyurethane foam producer FXI has named Philippe Knaub as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer to lead the company’s research and development initiatives.
The company said Knaub is considered one of the world’s foremost experts on the development and application of polyurethane foams in all industries, including bedding, furniture and transportation. At FXI, he will report to President and CEO John Cowles.
Most recently, Knaub was global head of research and development for emulsion polymers for Styron in Switzerland. Part of Dow Chemical Company, Styron was acquired by private equity firm Bain Capital in 2010.
Prior to his position with Styron, Knaub worked with Dow for more than 20 years, where he held a number of positions, including global research and development director for several business units, project manager and global marketing manager.
“We’re pleased to have Philippe join the FXI family,” Cowles said. “He has an established international reputation in polyurethanes and plastics as a leader in the field. I’m confident our customers will benefit from the many innovative strides and technological leaps FXI’s research and development team will make under his direction.”
Knaub has been published in numerous professional publications and textbooks and is named in several patents. He will be based in FXI’s Aston, Penn., Research and Innovation Center.
During the past year, Diane Adams, Chief Marketing Officer for FXI, has been overseeing the company’s marketing department along with the research and development department. With Knaub’s appointment, Adams returns her focus to the company’s marketing initiatives.