Specialty chemistry supplier Hallstar has announced leadership succession plans set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. John J. Paro, who has served as chairman and CEO since 2002, will step down from his CEO role to focus solely on leading Hallstar’s board and his family enterprise.
Carmen B. Masciantonio, currently the chief operating officer and president of the industrial solutions division, will succeed Paro as CEO. Masciantonio, a Hallstar veteran with more than 25 years at the company, brings extensive leadership experience, having previously held roles including VP of supply chain, North America region VP, and Interim president of Hallstar Beauty & Personal Care.
Masciantonio earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Penn State University and has been with Hallstar since 2001 following the company’s acquisition of RTD Chemical.
“Carmen is a capable, trusted and much-admired leader and I am excited about the company’s future growth potential under his leadership,” said Paro. “Of course, this announcement comes after years of reflection and planning with family and board members. Given Hallstar’s strength, its foundational culture and core values, the capabilities and integrity of the entire senior leadership team, and the passionate commitment of our global workforce, I have great confidence that Hallstar and I are ready for this transition.”
Chief HR officer and board vice chair, Ashley P. Gertz, remarked on Carmen’s fitness for the leadership role: “We are fortunate to have someone with Carmen’s wide-ranging experience and industry knowledge prepared to succeed John Paro as CEO, but his dedication to Hallstar’s unique corporate culture is equally important. Carmen consistently demonstrates a passion for people and their professional development, and he knows that the greatest employee opportunities and rewards will be the result of Hallstar’s consistent growth.”
