About Us
Quality, Service, Cost Competitiveness
Delivering the Ideal Solution Is Our Ultimate Goal
At Veridian Chemicals, we don’t just talk about “value”—we define it collaboratively with our customers. Our mission is to provide consistent access to high-quality chemical products, delivered with operational precision, cost-efficiency, and full regulatory alignment. No overpromising. No excess. Just dependable supply you can count on.
We specialize in sourcing high-purity raw materials and specialty chemicals from Asia (excluding China), with a focus on cost optimization and quality assurance. By leveraging long-standing relationships with trusted manufacturers across the region, we offer our customers a secure and competitive supply chain that meets rigorous international standards for safety, compliance, and performance.
Our founding team brings over 60 years of combined experience across the chemical value chain—including manufacturing, commercial operations, logistics, and regulatory compliance. We’ve worked within and alongside sectors such as industrial chemicals, coatings, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, personal care, and semiconductors. That cross-functional expertise enables us to understand the technical, regulatory, and logistical demands our customers face—and to meet them with precision.
Veridian operates with a deliberately lean structure, minimizing overhead and maximizing responsiveness. We prioritize core fundamentals: supplier integrity, product consistency, customer communication, and efficient distribution. Our logistics network is built for reliability, enabling us to meet demanding delivery schedules and maintain inventory stability.
At Veridian Chemicals, we’re redefining what it means to be a chemical distributor—less bureaucracy, more technical rigor, and an unwavering focus on execution.
Our Team
Govind Khalsa, Managing Partner & Chief Commercial Officer
Govind brings a global perspective and a deep track record of commercial leadership to Veridian Chemicals. With extensive experience across specialty chemicals, sustainable materials, and advanced manufacturing, Govind has successfully led strategy, operations, and product development in both multinational corporations and private equity-backed businesses.
His background includes spearheading M&A initiatives, driving successful exits, and scaling early-stage ventures with an eye for innovation and market disruption. Govind is particularly passionate about emerging technologies and high-potential talent—championing new ideas and building agile teams that deliver real-world results.
Govind’s industry reach spans automotive, coatings, electronics, energy storage, and bio-based chemicals. He also brings a forward-thinking approach to digital integration, drawing on experience as a board advisor to a SaaS company and a strong advocate for AI-enabled supply chain and commercial transformation. At Veridian, he leads with a focus on strategic partnerships, operational excellence, and customer-centric growth.
Beyond the office, Govind is an enthusiastic traveler, connector, and mountain adventurer—always ready for a hike or to cheer on his Clemson Tigers.
Paul Hoffman, Managing Partner & Chief Operating Officer
Paul brings over 30 years of experience in the chemical industry, with a focus on coatings, inks, sealants, plastics, and rubber markets. With a background in mechanical engineering and materials science, Paul began his career developing innovative process and product solutions on the technical side of the business.
Recognizing the frequent disconnect between R&D and commercial execution, Paul earned an MBA from Georgia Tech to bridge that gap—ultimately transitioning into roles in product management and global commercial operations. There, he led cross-functional teams and built a reputation for delivering customer-centric solutions that align technology with real-world needs.
At Veridian Chemicals, Paul applies a truly integrated approach to operations, drawing from his technical roots and commercial leadership to deliver practical, high-impact solutions across the value chain. His ability to see both the granular and big-picture challenges enables Veridian to be a nimble, effective partner to its customers.
When he’s not solving supply chain puzzles or working with suppliers, Paul enjoys spending time in the Southern Appalachian Mountains—riding, hiking, or fishing whenever he gets the chance.
Umar Latif, PhD, Managing Partner & Chief Technology Officer
Dr. Latif is a seasoned business leader with a Ph.D. in Chemistry and more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of scientific innovation and commercial strategy. With a strong entrepreneurial mindset and a track record of driving transformative growth, he brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and strategic business insight to Veridian Chemicals.
Throughout his career, Dr. Latif has helped organizations navigate complex, high-growth markets by aligning cutting-edge science with practical, results-driven business models. His work spans a broad range of technologies—including rubber, plastics, composites, adhesives, coatings, and fillers—serving critical sectors like automotive, healthcare, medical devices, energy systems, construction, transportation, and oil & gas.
Known for his ability to identify emerging trends and unlock new market opportunities, Dr. Latif has led initiatives that improve profitability, expand global reach, and position companies at the forefront of innovation. At Veridian, he applies this expertise to guide strategic development, foster strong partnerships, and ensure the seamless integration of science and supply.
Outside of work, Dr. Latif is an avid photographer and traveler who enjoys hiking, exploring diverse cuisines, and spending quality time with his family.