Universal Display Names Richard C. Elias to Board of Directors

Universal Display Corporation announced the addition of Richard C. Elias to the company’s Board of Directors. Elias is a veteran of the chemical materials business, and he brings to Universal Display a successful track record of growing global businesses in executive leadership functions.

“We are pleased to welcome Rick to our Board of Directors and look forward to his contribution as we grow along with the expanding OLED display and lighting markets,” said Steven V. Abramson, president and CEO of Universal Display. “Rick is a great fit for our organization, bringing decades of experience in growing successful, global businesses that will support our strategic planning and execution as we build shareholder value.”

Elias spent over 38 years with PPG Industries in various roles and retired on April 1, 2014. Having begun his career as a chemist with PPG in 1975, he developed the vision, strategic planning and execution to become one of the company’s leaders. He most recently served as senior vice president, optical and specialty materials, of PPG Industries and CEO of the company’s owned joint venture Transitions Optical, Inc. He was responsible for building new revenue channels for PPG, managing a global team of over 1,200 employees. He received a B.S. in chemistry from the University of South Carolina, and earned an MBA degree from Marquette University.

“I am delighted to join Universal Display’s board. UDC is an exciting company whose technology could truly transform industries,” said Elias. “I have had a front row seat to watch the company grow from a small research and development company to a global technology and materials player. I look forward to working with my fellow board members and company management to position Universal Display on its path as a leader in the burgeoning OLED market.”