The Plastics Industry Loses a Veteran, Brian Bechard, President & CEO of Trexel

It is with deep sadness that Trexel announces the loss of Brian Bechard, our President & CEO. Brian passed away suddenly of a heart attack while competing in a rowing race on the Merrimack River on August 6, 2022. While taken too soon, he was engaging his athletic passions and doing what he loved. He was 48 years old. Brian has served as CEO of Trexel since 2015. His leadership, energy, and commitment to the company were extraordinary.

As a result of his leadership and vison, Trexel was able to advance its MuCell Technology into new markets and applications. When Brian arrived at the company, Trexel predominantly supplied its proprietary foaming technology to the automotive industry. Today, while continuing to serve the automotive industry, Trexel has not only the most advanced foaming technology in the world, but products and customers in packaging, footwear, blow molding, and electronics as well as advanced initiatives in the EV market.

Brian is described by his international team at Trexel as open, fair, and supportive, and was a respected role model to many. He was a man of integrity and strength, always having a positive, but straightforward outlook. These attributes served him and Trexel well as he deepened and expanded our relationships with our key partners globally. He earned the unanimous admiration and support of Trexel’s Board of Directors.

Before joining Trexel in 2015, Brian ran businesses in Europe and North America for Synventive, managed an injection and extrusion molding plant for Avery Dennison, and served as a combat engineering officer in the US Army. Brian is a graduate of West Point and received his MBA from Harvard Business School.

As great as this loss is for Trexel it is overwhelming for his wife, Patty, and their two sons Nathan and Evan. They too are part of the Trexel family, and will continue to be supported them through this challenging time.

As Trexel undertakes its search for a CEO, David Bernstein, Chairman of the Board will serve as Interim CEO. Day to day management will be handled by V.P. Engineering Levi Kishbaugh and V.P. Finance and Operations Petr Janik.  For more information, please visit www.trexel.com.