Textual note taken from the Association for Materials Protection and Performance on January 13, 2026
Houston, Texas – (January 12, 2026) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) announces with deep sadness the passing of George F. Hays, a respected leader in the global corrosion community and a past president of NACE International. Hays passed away peacefully at his home in Rockaway, New Jersey, on January 4, 2026, at the age of 87, with his wife, Beverly, by his side.
George Hays dedicated more than four decades to advancing corrosion control, materials performance, and industrial water and waste system technologies. His professional career spanned more than 30 years at Ashland Specialty Chemical Company, where he served in an international capacity as Technology Manager, specializing in the design and application of monitoring and control technologies. Following his retirement in 1999, Hays continued to contribute his expertise as a consultant, remaining active in the field he helped shape.
Within the professional community, Hays is widely remembered for his leadership and service. He served as President of NACE International (now AMPP) from 2004 to 2005, during a pivotal period for the organization. During his presidency, he helped drive the decision to provide members with free access to standards, an initiative that significantly increased membership engagement and reinforced the value of technical standards to the corrosion profession.
Hays also played a foundational role on the global stage. He was a co-founder of the World Corrosion Organization (WCO) and served as its Director-General from 2006 until March 2016. In that role, he acted as WCO’s liaison to the United Nations and devoted years to elevating corrosion prevention and control as a matter of global importance, representing more than 30 professional societies across five continents.
Beyond his technical and organizational leadership, Hays was an accredited professional mediator. Together with his wife, he established Hays Mediation Service, supporting individuals and families through complex mediation processes and extending his commitment to service beyond the technical sphere.
Despite declining health in recent years, Hays remained intellectually engaged and deeply connected to the corrosion community until his passing. Colleagues and friends remember him not only for his professional achievements but also for his integrity, diplomacy, and dedication to advancing the public good through corrosion prevention.
Condolences may be sent to:
2103 Franklin Ln
Rockaway, NJ 07866
AMPP extends its heartfelt condolences to Beverly Hays, their family, and all who were influenced by George Hays’ life and legacy.
About AMPP
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is a global leader dedicated to the protection of assets and the performance of industrial and natural materials. Established in 2021, AMPP brings together nearly 150 years of combined expertise from legacy organizations to advance solutions that enhance safety, security, and sustainability across industries. Serving more than 40,000 members in over 150 countries, AMPP is the largest organization of its kind, providing innovative standards, certifications, training, and resources. Headquartered in the United States with offices in Houston and Pittsburgh, AMPP also operates regional offices in Brazil, Canada, China, Dubai (training center), Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.
Source and photo: AMPP