Joe Martinko Honored With 2025 Winthrop-Sears Medal by The Chemists’ Club
Award recognizes collective achievement commercializing and advancing the Opteon™ low global warming potential portfolio
Chemours, a global chemistry company, is proud to announce that Joseph Martinko, President of Thermal & Specialized Solutions, has been awarded the 2025 Winthrop-Sears Medal by The Chemists’ Club. The award recognizes Martinko and his team’s vision, innovation, and entrepreneurial contributions to the chemical industry, particularly in advancing sustainable thermal management technologies through the commercialization of the Opteon™ low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and solutions used across the world’s largest industries.
“Joe and his team have been instrumental in positioning Chemours as a global leader in sustainable refrigerants and thermal management solutions,” said Dr. Roland Stefandl, president of The Chemists’ Club. “Their collective commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and customer-centered growth exemplifies the spirit of the Winthrop-Sears Medal.”
With more than 30 years of experience in the chemical industry—including over two decades in Chemours’ former fluoroproduct business—Martinko has held a range of global market, product, and regional leadership roles. Under Martinko’s leadership, the team has expanded its Opteon™ portfolio, delivering low GWP refrigerants and thermal solutions that support decarbonization across industries and applications—from air conditioners, heat pumps, and food storage, to medical devices, data centers, and transportation. Their strategic vision and collaboration has helped Chemours navigate complex regulatory landscapes, accelerate research and development, and forge key partnerships that have advanced the company’s mission to improve lives through trusted chemistry.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition from The Chemists’ Club on behalf of the entire Opteon™ team,” said Joseph Martinko, President of Thermal & Specialized Solutions at Chemours. “At Chemours, we believe in putting our customers first, working together as one team, and doing what’s right for people and the planet. This award reflects those values in action—and the dedication of our team to delivering solutions that truly make a difference.”
Martinko will be honored at The Chemists’ Club’s annual Egg Nog Dinner, held this year on December 11 at the New York Players Club. The Winthrop-Sears Medal, established in 1970, is presented annually to individuals whose achievements have significantly contributed to the vitality of the chemical industry and the betterment of society.
Learn more about Chemours and its Opteon™ portfolio at Chemours.com or Opteon.com.
About the Winthrop-Sears Medal
Named after two of America’s earliest chemical entrepreneurs—John Winthrop, Jr. and John Sears—the Winthrop-Sears Medal honors individuals who have demonstrated entrepreneurial excellence in the chemical industry. Past recipients include Linda Rendle (Clorox), Heinz Haller (Dow), William Wulfsohn (Ashland), and Mario Nappa (Chemours).
About The Chemists’ Club
Founded in 1898, The Chemists’ Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the chemical sciences. Its members include professionals and students from across the chemical industry, and it hosts programs that foster career development, networking, and scientific exchange. Learn more at www.thechemistsclub.org.
About The Chemours Company
The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) is a global leader in providing industrial and specialty chemicals products for markets, including coatings, plastics, refrigeration and air conditioning, transportation, semiconductor and advanced electronics, general industrial, and oil and gas. Through our three businesses –Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Titanium Technologies, and Advanced Performance Materials – we deliver application expertise and chemistry-based innovations that solve customers’ biggest challenges. Our flagship products are sold under prominent brands such as Opteon™, Freon™, Ti-Pure™, Nafion™, Teflon™, Viton™, and Krytox™. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and listed on the NYSE under the symbol CC, Chemours has approximately 6,000 employees and 28 manufacturing sites and serves approximately 2,500 customers in approximately 110 countries. For more information, visit chemours.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
