Surface Solutions Group names successor for retiring president

Medtech coatings supplier Surface Solutions Group (SSG) recently announced the retirement of President George Osterhout and named his successor.

Kevin Hess, formerly an SSG VP, now serves as president of SSG and sister companies Orion Industries and Dimension Bond.

Osterhout is retiring after a 48-year career in the functional coatings industry, including 25 years with SSG. The company credited him with playing a “pivotal role in the formation of SSG to focus exclusively on serving the medical device market” and said he was “instrumental in taking SSG to new heights, fostering strategic partnerships with customers and suppliers, and driving continuous growth.”

With Osterhout as president, the company said, SSG secured ISO 13485 certification, implemented ultra-accurate automation and established itself as a respected leading coatings partner for the global medical device industry.

“George had a unique talent in creating a cohesive team, which contributed to the technical and financial growth of all the companies,” SSG founder and Chief Technology Officer Bruce Nesbitt said in a news release.

Osterhout will serve as senior advisor to the companies in retirement, continuing to represent the brands and support customers.

“We are deeply grateful to George for his distinguished contributions and tireless efforts over the years in shaping the companies’ success stories,” Hess said in the news release. “As we embark on this transition, I want to assure our valued customers that our commitment to delivering superior coating technologies, unparalleled delivery, exceptional customer support and continued innovation remains unwavering. We are equally committed to continuing our collaborative relationships with our dedicated suppliers and employees.”

About Kevin Hess

Hess has been in the industry for more than two decades and has a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University.

“Kevin brings impressive experience in the functional coatings and medical device industry to the companies, and has been an integral part of our leadership team for nearly five years as vice president,” Osterhout said.

“With Kevin at the helm, the companies will ensure continued technical excellence and growth,” Nesbitt said.

Read Osterhout’s recent MDO contribution: Sustainable coating demand is changing medical device design and manufacturing