NORCROSS, Ga. -- WestRock Company announced that John Fortson has been named chief financial officer of Ingevity, the company's specialty chemicals business that is expected to become a publicly traded company early next year as the result of a spin-off from WestRock. He will join the company 12 October 2015.

"Having previously served as a public company CFO and treasurer, John will bring strong financial leadership and experience to Ingevity," said Steve Voorhees, chief executive officer of WestRock. "He has a proven track record of operational and financial management, as well as capital markets experience, that will help the new company thrive as a publicly traded entity early next year."

Voorhees continued, "With the addition of John as chief financial officer, CEO Michael Wilson has an outstanding team of leaders with the experience necessary to make Ingevity successful for its customers, employees and shareholders."

Fortson comes to Ingevity from AAR Corporation, a leading global aviation and aerospace company, where he served as CFO and treasurer. Prior to joining AAR, he held a number of leadership positions with Bank of America Merrill Lynch, including managing director of the Industrials Group. He holds a bachelor of science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and a master of business administration degree from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.