North America’s largest cocoa processor and chocolate ingredient supplier, Chicago-based Blommer Chocolate Co., has named Neal Murphy as its new cfo.

Murphy’s background spans financial leadership in both public and private businesses in the manufacturing and chemical industries, including CECO Environmental, Quaker Chemical and PQ Corporation.

He brings extensive experience in executive management of global organizations, including mergers & acquisitions and joint venture partnerships. Earlier in his career, Murphy gained international general management experience heading a European joint venture for PQ Corporation in Amsterdam. This overall experience provides him with a global outlook and team approach.

Murphy “has demonstrated throughout his career the abilities to think strategically, to develop and lead people and to enhance the overall value of an organization,” a company spokesman points out.

As Blommer’s cfo, Murphy will provide overall direction and oversight of Blommer’s financial activities in support of its strategic growth initiatives.

He has a business degree from Villanova University and a masters degree in taxation from Widener University. Murphy and his family reside in the West Chester, Pa. area.