Peter A. Benoliel is a graduate of Princeton University. Following graduation, Mr. Benoliel served three and a half years in the United States Navy before joining Quaker Chemical as a chemist in 1957. In 1966, he was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the company and served in that capacity until 1992, when he became the non-executive Chairman of the Board. He retired from that position in 1997, and is Chairman Emeritus of Quaker Chemical Corporation.

Mr. Benoliel served on a number of corporate boards over the years including Alan Wood Steel Company, Publicker Industries, Bell Atlantic - Pennsylvania, CoreStates Financial Corporation and UGI Corporation in addition to serving as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia from 1989-1992.

He has also been active in many cultural and philanthropic organizations serving the United Way of Southeastern Pennsyvlania as Chairman of the General Campaign in 1981, and President from 1984-1986. He served as Chairman of the Philadelphia Orchestra Association from 1996-2001 and Chairman of a successful Endowment Campaign from 2003-2008. He is a past Chairman of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, still active as a Director. He is a past Chairman of Settlement Music School and is now serving as Chairman Emeritus.

Mr. Benoliel continues to serve on several other boards in cluding Marlboro School of Music, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, Amateur Chamber Music Players Foundation as well as National Humanities Center where he is Vice-Chairman. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Committee for Economic Development. Additionally, Mr. Benoliel is Emeritus Director/Trustee of Philadelphia Museum of Art, Grand Teton Music Festival and Library Company of Philadelphia.

Mr. Benoliel has been a frequent lecturer and seminar leader at a number of Universities including Florida International University, Obirin University, Tokyo, Philadelphia University, Elizabeth City State University, Mississippi State University, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Northeast Missouri State University, St. Francis de Sales, Haverford College, Cabrini College, Lebanon Valley College, Bloomsburg University, Indiana University and Villanova University.

Mr. Benoliel was a founding member and Co-Chair of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, and has been active in promoting closer business and cultural ties between Japan and the United States. He is an enthusiastic violinist with an unquenchable intellectual curiosity particularly in the fields of history, astrophysics, literature, philosophy, and Japanese art. He regards his business career as having been very rewarding both financially and in life experiences affording many valued friendships that grew out of relationships both within and outside Quaker Chemical.

Throughout his career he regarded community service as an essential part of his activities and one that he continues presently. In retirement, he is busier than ever working with various cultural and educational organizations; pursuing a vigorous intellectual life both through independent reading and participation in seminars conducted by St. John's College and Princeton University; and endeavoring, however painstakingly, to improve his skills on the violin while enjoying playing chamber music with friends around the world.

He cherishes his fantastic family populated by wonderful people. Mr. Benoliel is married to Willo Carey, Executive Director of Wider. Horizons at WHYY. He has five children, four stepchildren, and twenty grandchildren.