Faces of Lubricants: Rodrigo Kramer
Jun 16, 2021
Business Development Manager Rodrigo Kramer oversees relationships with our customers by monitoring their needs and exploring how Ingevity can provide solutions to complex problems. He joined Ingevity in 2012 to help expand the oilfield business in South America and has expanded his role over the years to include business development and EMEA sales for Ingevity’s lubricants business.
Rodrigo loves to interact with different people in the industry and find connections between commercial opportunities and Ingevity’s technical capabilities. Rodrigo is a go-getter with an ability to manage multiple projects with ease. Rodrigo has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and an MBA. Prior to joining Ingevity, he worked at ExxonMobil and Kemira. He currently resides in Houston, Texas with his family. 
Describe what you believe sets Ingevity’s technical teams apart.
We have people with different skills that complement one another. There is good communication among us and we are well connected with the Lubricants industry.
Describe a innovation project you’re currently working on for the lubricants business.
I have been working together with Chemist Devin Granger on developing bio-based additives that could extend the life of greases by reducing friction and wear under high pressure applications. These products are derived from Ingevity lignin and are a sustainable alternative to be used in environmentally acceptable greases. As this is our first expansion into the grease market, I’ve enjoyed learning about the opportunities available performance characteristics required for additives used in grease applications.
When you’re not busy traveling for work or calling on your customers, what do you enjoy doing with your free time? 
I love visiting new places with my family. Lately we have been going to different parks and trying do fun outdoor activities together.
Do you have any hobbies you’d like to begin? Or a hidden talent?
I play soccer every Saturday and used to be part of my college soccer team. Age has come, my knees are not the same but I continue trying to go out on the field and score my goals!
We know you travel quite a bit in your role. What are a few of your favorite places you’ve been?
I love to be exposed to new cultures, meet new people and try different types of food. Some of the favorite places I have been include Portugal, Argentina and China.
What is your life motto?
Always remain curious and never stop learning.
What are you famous for among family and friends?
My son tells me I make the best barbeque and it is his favorite food!
Where are you from and what is special to you about that place?
I was born in the large, diverse city Sao Paulo, Brazil. It’s such a wonderful mix of different cultures, habits, religions and traditions that were brought with immigrants from several countries including Italy, Japan and Lebanon.
What is your favorite thing about working at Ingevity?
Ingevity is a company that empowers its employees, encourages proactivity and values employees’ opinions.
