Martinko honoured by the Chemists’ Club
27th August 2025
USA: Joseph Martinko, Chemours’ president of thermal and specialised solutions, has been awarded the 2025 Winthrop-Sears Medal by The Chemists’ Club.
The award recognises Martinko and his team’s vision, innovation, and entrepreneurial contributions to the chemical industry, particularly in advancing sustainable thermal management technologies through the commercialisation of Chemours’ Opteon low GWP refrigerants.
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.

The medal is named in honour of two of America‘s earliest chemical industry entrepreneurs, John Winthrop Jr, son of the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and considered the first chemist in America, and John Sears, creator of the Massachusetts salt industry.
“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.
Martinko will be honoured at The Chemists’ Club’s annual Egg Nog Dinner, held this year on December 11 at the New York Players Club.






