AVON, Ohio — July 21, 2026 — Advanced Polymer Coatings (APC), a global leader in high-performance protective coating solutions is pleased to announce the appointments of James Kennedy as Regional Sales Manager, GCC, and Elson Chia as APAC Sales Account Manager.
These appointments reflect APC’s continued investment in regional market growth, customer support, and technical sales expertise across two important global shipping and industrial markets.
James Kennedy joins APC with more than 15 years of commercial leadership experience across the maritime, chemical tanker, energy, and industrial sectors. In his new role as Regional Sales Manager, GCC, James will support APC’s continued growth across the Gulf Cooperation Council region, working closely with shipowners, operators, technical managers, and industrial customers.
James brings a strong background in ship management, maritime risk, compliance, ESG, and vessel performance solutions. Most recently, he served as Commercial Director, EMEA, at RightShip, where he worked with global shipping, energy, and industrial companies across Europe and the Middle East. His experience also includes a key account management role with Wilhelmsen Ship Management, where he supported tanker shipping portfolios and developed relationships with shipowners, technical managers, and operators.
Having spent recent years working closely with customers across the Middle East, including establishing RightShip’s UAE office, James brings valuable regional insight and a strong understanding of the commercial and operational needs of maritime customers in the GCC.
Elson Chia joins APC as APAC Sales Account Manager, bringing extensive marine and offshore business development experience across Singapore, Southeast Asia, and broader Asia-Pacific markets. In this role, Elson will support customer relationships, new business development, and regional growth initiatives throughout APAC.
Elson has held sales and business development roles with Inspectorate Singapore, part of the Bureau Veritas Group, TMC Compressors Asia, SATOMAS, East Asia Power, and other marine and offshore-focused organizations. Throughout his career, he has worked with ship management companies, shipyards, EPCs, owners, operators, and regional partners to develop commercial opportunities and support complex customer requirements.
His experience includes driving revenue growth, building senior-level customer relationships, developing new markets, supporting technical approvals, and expanding business across countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, China, and the Middle East.
“James and Elson each bring strong regional experience, deep marine industry knowledge, and a customer-focused approach that will help APC continue growing in key global markets,” said Peter Stoyles, APC Global Marine Sales Manager. “James’ background in ship management and his recent experience in the Middle East will be valuable as we strengthen our presence across the GCC, while Elson’s commercial experience across APAC will help us continue building relationships and supporting customers throughout the region. We are excited to welcome them both to the APC team.”
Together, James and Elson strengthen APC’s global commercial team as the company continues to expand its support for customers operating in demanding marine and industrial environments. Their appointments reinforce APC’s commitment to being more than a coating supplier by providing regional expertise, technical collaboration, and long-term customer support.