Aries Chemical Appoints James Munn as Chief Operating Officer

Aries Chemical, a trusted provider of innovative solutions for the water treatment industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of James Munn as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective November 24, 2025. This newly created executive role reflects Aries Chemical’s continued growth and commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and long-term customer success.

James brings more than two decades of experience spanning advanced manufacturing, quality assurance, and executive leadership. He previously spent 14 years at IBM in a variety of engineering and leadership roles, followed by four years at GlobalFoundries, where he served as Senior Manager and Deputy Director of Manufacturing Quality Assurance. In these roles, James led complex operations, drove process improvements, and supported large-scale manufacturing environments with rigorous quality standards.

In 2018, James returned to his roots in Lewis County, New York, where he founded Black River Valley Natural, LLC, an artisanal creamery that he successfully built from the ground up. As an entrepreneur, he demonstrated a unique ability to combine innovation, hands-on leadership, and operational discipline, growing a business while maintaining a strong focus on quality and sustainability.

James holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed graduate studies at both Cornell University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). A proud Lewis County native, he lives in Lowville, NY, with his wife Bethany and their three children.

As COO, James will play a key role in advancing Aries Chemical’s mission to deliver sustainable water treatment solutions, technical expertise, and exceptional service to customers nationwide. His leadership will support Aries’ strategic initiatives as the company continues to expand its capabilities and strengthen its position in the water treatment market.

“We are excited to welcome James to the Aries Chemical leadership team,” Bruce Graveley, Vice President at Aries Chemical stated. “His experience, entrepreneurial mindset, and commitment to operational excellence align perfectly with our vision for the future.”