Nov 9, 2015 2 min read

A Washington native is ascending to the top of the corporate world.

Dave Kuzy, 54, will become chief executive officer of Carus Group Inc., a global provider of environmental solutions that turned 100 this year. Kuzy, currently president and chief operating officer, will succeed Inga Carus as CEO of the Peru, Ill.-based firm Jan. 1.

“I’m honored to accept this position, and I look forward to further strengthening Carus’ focus on growth. … We’re advancing into new markets with new technologies,” Kuzy said in a news release.

A 1979 graduate of Immaculate Conception High School, Kuzy has a bachelor of science in chemical engineering from University of Pittsburgh and a master’s of business administration in finance from University of Akron. He apparently was hired as a CEO-in-waiting.

“We recruited Dave in 2013 with this transition in mind,” said Carus, who will continue as company chairman. She has been with the firm for 23 years, the past 10 as CEO. “This company has been in my family for three generations. Selecting a new CEO is not a decision I take lightly, and I have complete confidence that Dave is the right person for the position.”

Kuzy has been a corporate leader for more than 25 years. He was a vice president at Albemarle Corp. and held positions with Engelhard Corp. (now BASF), Mallinckrodt Specialty Chemical Co. and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.

Carus has been in an acquisition mode, having completed 10 and looking for more. The firm produces and supplies specialty chemistries and services for water treatment, soil remediation and air purification to customers around the world.

It was founded in 1915 in LaSalle, Ill. Carius’ current location is 100 miles southwest of Chicago, near the Iowa border.