ROCOL Strengthens Team with Three New Hires Ahead of 150th Anniversary
ROCOL, a leading manufacturer of industrial lubricants, cutting fluids, and line marking systems, bolstered its senior leadership team with a new Head of Technical and two Product Managers.
According to ROCOL, all three new hires underscore the company’s continued commitment to advancing its product offerings and maintaining its position as a market leader in industrial lubricants. With a focus on driving growth and innovation, Mr D’Antona has outlined that one of his priorities will be to concentrate on high-impact research projects that align with current and future market trends.
ROCOL says it has experienced a “significant increase” in demand in 2024 compared to last year and expects a “stronger level of growth” for the balance of the year.
Gerard McCargo, Human Resources Business Partner at ITW Fluids Europe, said: “We are excited to finally announce Egidio, Kelly, and Matthew have joined the ROCOL team at an important time in the company’s history. Our customers are facing unprecedented challenges at the moment, whether that be to meet stricter regulations or fast-approaching sustainability targets, and we are confident that our strengthened team is well-placed to help them overcome those challenges.” McCargo adds, “Our new experts will now support ROCOL in its mission to serve our global customer base and capitalize on new market opportunities, providing fresh ideas and approaches to sit alongside our high-quality products and services.”
Egidio D’Antona – Head of Technical
Egidio D’Antona joins ROCOL as the new Head of Technical, bringing extensive leadership expertise in chemistry and engineering from his previous roles at SKF, Valvoline, and Polestar.
D’Antona is a strong advocate for clean chemistry and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of considering the entire value chain, including the CO2 impact of raw materials used in production. He also stresses the need to balance performance with safety, acknowledging that while some chemicals are necessary, they must be handled responsibly.
With a focus on driving innovation, D’Antona is keen to concentrate on high-impact research projects that align with market trends—such as advancements in manufacturing and electrification—to maximize R&D potential and maintain ROCOL’s competitive edge.
As ROCOL approaches its 150th anniversary, D’Antona sees this milestone as a call to honor the past by driving innovation and embracing change, ensuring the brand’s legacy is defined by continuous progress.
Kelly Dougill – Product Manager
Kelly Dougill steps into the role of Product Manager at ROCOL, leveraging her extensive background in the lubricant industry.
Dougill’s career began in the pharmaceutical sector before transitioning to roles in lubricant development at companies like Shell, Millers Oils, and Vickers Oils.
At Shell, she contributed to the development of motor oils for high-performance vehicles, including working alongside the Ferrari F1 team.
Her expertise in environmentally friendly lubricants and regulatory compliance will be crucial as ROCOL continues to innovate in sustainable product development.
Matthew Broderick – Product Manager
With a wealth of experience in advanced manufacturing and electric vehicle technology, Matthew Broderick joins ROCOL as a Product Manager.
He earned his Master of Engineering degree from the University of Sheffield in Chemical Engineering, and served as a member of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre for more than a decade, leading numerous projects relating to metalworking fluids and aerospace.
His most recent role was with MAGTEC, where he played a pivotal role in the development of the world’s first autonomous electric freight vehicle, which set a world record at the Top Gear track.
About ROCOL
ROCOL is part of ITW, a multi-national US-owned, Fortune 150 company. The company develops, manufactures, and markets technically advanced industrial lubricants and line marking systems to industries worldwide.
Based in Leeds, UK, the origins of ROCOL date back to 1878 when Victor Ragosine developed a yellow lubricating oil which he subsequently sold throughout Europe. Unlike other lubricating methods, the yellow oil was virtually non-corrosive making it technically superior to other products available.
ROCOL will be celebrating its 150-year anniversary in 2026. For more on ROCOL, visit ROCOL.com