Solidia names Russell Hill CTO

Hill comes to Solidia after 25 years with international construction materials and building products company Boral, where he most recently served as group chief innovation officer. He established a comprehensive innovation strategy with a global vision for the future, with broad initiatives spanning R&D, new product development, venture investments, digital advancements, customer experience, and advanced manufacturing improvements. In 2012, he led the discovery, development, and incubation of a new, green product category that opened new market segments and geography to Boral.

Hill has a doctorate in chemistry from the University of North Texas. His areas of expertise and interests include coal combustion products, cement and fly ash chemistry, concrete technology and durability, geopolymers, mineral fillers, activated carbon, chemical admixtures and polyurethane composites.

He is named inventor on 56 patents, consisting of over 20 distinct families. He is a member of the American Concrete Institute, ASTM, the American Chemical Society and Alpha Chi Sigma.

Solidia CEO Bryan Kalbfleisch says: “Russell Hill brings a rare wealth of expertise and experience, and we are thrilled to add him to Solidia’s roster of talent. Russell’s leadership will be invaluable as we fulfill Solidia’s mission to deliver the next generation of sustainable construction materials and building products.”

Hill is to replace Nicholas DeCristofaro, who is retiring next month. 

“While we are excited for Nick as he moves into the next chapter of his life, we'll miss his expertise and deep knowledge of material science, which have helped Solidia capture a significant lead in the race for carbon reduction through building materials,” Kalbfleisch continues. 

“Russell will build on that solid foundation, incorporating his intimate understanding of the market and R&D as we take Solidia to the next level.”