Avient Appointed Mike Frank as Chief Executive Officer
The specialty materials company tapped the former UPL Corp. executive to lead the firm starting this month.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in People
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Avient has appointed Mike Frank as its new president and chief executive officer following the departure of Ashish Khandpur. Frank brings leadership experience from his previous role as CEO of UPL Corp., a position he held since 2022.
Why it matters
Leadership transitions at major specialty materials companies like Avient are significant for stakeholders and industry observers monitoring operational direction. The appointment marks a new chapter for the Ohio-based organization as it navigates its long-term strategic goals.
Mike Frank joins the company after serving as CEO of UPL Corp. since 2022. The transition period concludes with Ashish Khandpur remaining in an advisory capacity until Dec. 31, 2026.
The players
Mike Frank
He is the newly appointed president and chief executive officer of Avient who previously led UPL Corp.
Ashish Khandpur
He is the former president and chief executive officer of Avient who is staying on in an advisory capacity.
Avient
It is a specialty materials company based in Ohio that recently announced a major leadership change.
The details
The board of directors selected Frank to guide the company through its next phase of development. Outgoing leader Ashish Khandpur will continue to support the transition by serving in an advisory role for the company.
Timeline
Mike Frank began serving as CEO of UPL Corp. in 2022.
The board appointed Mike Frank as Avient CEO on October 9, 2026.
Ashish Khandpur will conclude his advisory role on December 31, 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition at Avient follows the pattern of executive succession observed across the broader industrial manufacturing sector. The move positions the firm to compete for market share under new guidance while maintaining continuity through the outgoing CEO's advisory tenure.
While the executive change happens at the corporate level, shareholders and employees may see shifts in internal policy or company strategy. Customers can generally expect standard operations to continue during the transition period supported by the former CEO.
The takeaway
Executive leadership changes often signal shifts in a company's strategic focus or operational philosophy. Observers should watch for forthcoming announcements regarding the new CEO's specific goals for the organization's growth in the coming year.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership trends, visit the People section.
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