The leader of a large chemical company and a longtime Koch Industries executive will receive the University of Kansas School of Business distinguished alumni award this week.

Jeff Gentry, a 1983 KU graduate, will receive the award for his work as chairman and CEO of Invista, which is a large producer of chemical intermediates, polymers and fibers. Invista is a subsidiary of Wichita-based Koch Industries, and Gentry previously held several leadership roles with Koch. He currently serves on the board of directors of Koch, which is the second-largest privately owned company in the country.

Invista makes chemicals used in a variety of products, including carpets, clothing fabric, pillows and many others, according to the company’s website. Gentry has been Invista’s chairman of the board since 2006 and has served as its CEO since 2007.

He’s also active on several KU boards, including serving as member of the KU Endowment Board of Trustees and the KU School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board.

KU’s business school has been awarding a distinguished alumni award since 1998. Gentry will receive the award at a private reception on Thursday, KU said in a press release.