It is with deep sympathy that we report on the death of longtime window film industry leader and pioneer, Ken Vickers, age 80, of Martinsville, Virginia.

Ken was truly an exceptional force in helping to shape the worldwide window film industry and community. Highly-respected and active in the industry, he remained Chairman Emeritus of CPFilms Inc., a consultant with Johnson Window Film and Laminating Company, a valued member of both the Board of Directors of the International Window Film Association and the Managing Council of the European Window Film Association.

Following his graduation from the University of Birmingham UK, with a Master of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering, Ken began his manufacturing career as a chemical engineer for global chemical and textile company Courtaulds in 1963 and worked in a variety of roles. He lived and worked in the Soviet Union for 18 months where he led a successful team in negotiating to build an acrylic fiber plant in Belarus, Russia. He also worked for 10 years in France as managing director for Courtlaulds Fibres and Film.

He then led Courtaulds Fibres in North America as president and eventually managed its worldwide film business for five years. Prior to moving to the USA to manage the CPFilms’ business, Ken was a member of the Courtaulds executive team.  While CEO of CPFilms, Ken oversaw the sale and initial integration of the company into Solutia Inc. as part of Courtauld’s restructuring in 1999. It has since become a part of Eastman Chemical’s film business.

Since his arrival in the U.S. to begin working in the window film industry here, Ken has resided in Martinsville, Virginia.  Although all final arrangements for Ken have not yet been made, plans are in place for a Celebration of Life for Ken to be held after the current health crisis is over.