Magnaplate, a global leader in engineered coatings for metals and other substrates, announces Ashley Russo as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Russo, who joined Magnaplate in 2019 and served as Chief Operating Officer (COO), led the company through the COVID-19 pandemic and was responsible for consolidating its facilities in Linden, New Jersey and Arlington, Texas, improving efficiency and customer lead times. She also oversaw many advancements to the Arlington headquarters, such as an upgraded water treatment system that uses fewer chemicals and produces less solid waste.

With Russo’s appointment, previous Magnaplate CEO, Candida C. Aversenti, will serve as Chairman of the Board, and Edmund Aversenti will serve as President of the Board. Other personnel updates include Susan Neri as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Ligon de Vogel as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Nemanja Marinkovic as Chief Sales Officer (CSO).

“I’m proud to hand over the reins to Ashley,” says Candida Aversenti, Chairman of the Board. “She fosters the spirit of quality, excellence and innovation that has been a hallmark of Magnaplate for over 70 years. I know Ashley will continue to solidify our legacy as a global leader in engineered coatings while propelling the company to new heights.”

“It’s truly an honor to serve as CEO,” Russo says. “It’s my goal to deliver the same high-quality products and on-time service our customers have come to expect from the Magnaplate name. At the same time, I am deeply committed to prioritizing sustainability and diversity as we move into the future.”

Before joining Magnaplate, Russo produced content for national publications like Women’s Day, Prevention Magazine and Cooks Illustrated. She also served as a producer for the Weather Channel, NBC’s Today Show and Bloomberg L.P. before building the Emmy® award-winning company, ASR Media Productions. Among her many awards, she received the Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year award from Women United, as well as an Excellence in Business award from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. She resides in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.