NEWS
Going Out on Top: Alistair Retires!

After more than fifty years’ service to the global marine industry, Alistair Neil retires this month from his role at Chemco International; heading Marine Sales.

Alistair joined Chemco in August 2002, bringing with him an already well-established expertise in paints and coatings. His working endeavours began in the shipyards of the Clyde in Glasgow, before taking him all over the world from the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany in Europe; to Japan, Korea and Hong Kong in the Far East.

Upon his return to the UK, and permanent settlement in the North East of England, Alistair was eventually introduced to the then Owner, and now Chairman, of Chemco, Manny Khorasani. Having witnessed the harmful effects of solvent-based paints on applicators for many years, Alistair was drawn in by the prospect of Chemco’s innovative solvent-free, wet & rust tolerant coating technology and the clear benefits it could have for applicators and projects around the world.

For the next 18 years, firstly as Consultant and then as Marine Business Development Manager, Alistair became one of the key driving forces behind Chemco’s emergence as a leader in the global Marine and Protective Coatings market.

He was able to forge strong relationships with some of the world’s largest Shipmanagement companies through his unrivalled levels of customer care, technical and product knowledge, and desire to push Chemco’s 21^st century technology into the minds of those who would benefit from it most. Many of these relationships, developed over time and with great effort, remain intact to this day because of Alistair’s ongoing commitment.

Having helped to establish Chemco’s Marine Division, first and foremost, as the go-to provider of environmentally friendly tank coatings for tanker and bulk carrier vessels, Alistair sought to support the company’s aims for expansion more broadly.

He was instrumental in identifying and actioning the need for correct certification and approvals to operate more efficiently within the Marine industry, as well as helping build a network of Chemco representatives around the world to support sales operations. He also spearheaded the company’s progression into the Cruise industry which, allowing for the effects of Covid-19, has been one of Chemco’s strongest markets of the past 10 years.

Alistair is set to leave Chemco at a time when the company is thriving; both in terms of strong sales growth and confidence in its future to invest; as shown by the recent purchase and subsequent upgrading of the Chemco headquarters in Coatbridge.

Speaking of his decision to retire, Alistair said:

“I have had a wonderful working career and, although it will take some time to adjust to a different lifestyle, it is comforting to know that I am leaving my position with Chemco in capable hands.

One of the greatest things about Chemco is that it truly is a company with a family feel, where everyone pulls towards the same aim which, in itself, breeds success and an incredible team spirit. I could only achieve what I have done with such a highly accomplished team supporting me in all aspects of our challenges.

Chemco is now a world-renowned company which I know will continue to grow and prosper; and I trust that each employee owner will be happy at Chemco for many years to come.

Keep up the good work – thanks for everything and I will miss you all.”

Reflecting on Alistair’s service to the company, Colin Wade, Managing Director of Chemco International, commented:

“All of us at Chemco International have huge respect and fondness for Alistair and his achievements for the Company and indeed the industry, over so many years. His story-telling and humour are legendary and often referred.

So no doubt a few tears will be shed on Alistair’s last day, it will truly be the end of an era. In recent years Alistair has helped prepare a new generation at Chemco, who are now ready to build on his successes”.  

After a long and rewarding career, Alistair has, in his own words, decided the time has come to “drop the anchor” and spend more time with his incredible wife, Myra, and family of supportive children and grandchild; although he knows the door will remain open at Chemco for as long as he wishes to visit.

Everyone at Chemco thanks Alistair for his professional and personal support over the past 18 years and wishes him all the very best in his retirement.