MORRISVILLE, PA. — Barry Arkles, PhD, has resumed the position of chief executive officer at Gelest, Inc.

Mr. Arkles is the co-founder and chairman of the board at Gelest, a supplier of silicones, organosilanes, metal-organics and specialty monomers. Prior to co-founding the company in 1991, he was a co-founder of Petrarch Systems, Inc. and vice president of corporate development at Huls America. He succeeds Ken Gayer, who resigned after three years at the company’s helm.

In his new role, Mr. Arkles will oversee Gelest’s transition into the Mitsubishi Chemical organization. The company in early October was acquired by Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc., the US subsidiary of Mitsubishi Chemical Corp.

“Dr. Arkles’ comprehensive knowledge of the business and technology of Gelest provides excellent continuity as members of the talented leadership team join to support the continued growth of the company in the key markets served: medical device, semiconductor, personal care, pharmaceutical and diagnostic science,” said Steve Yurich, president of Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc.

Gelest is a manufacturer of Biosafe Antimicrobial technology, which is used in a variety of applications, including foodservice towels and face masks.