Dow Appoints Karen S. Carter as COO to Enhance Operational Efficiency and Sustainability

Dow's Strategic Leadership Shift: Karen S. Carter as Chief Operating Officer

In a significant move aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and strategic focus, Dow announces the appointment of Karen S. Carter as Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. With a career at Dow spanning over three decades, Carter steps into this pivotal role following her tenure as president of Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics. Her extensive experience across various sectors, including Building and Construction and Consumer Electronics, positions her uniquely to oversee Dow's diverse business operating segments, which include Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure, and Performance Materials & Coatings. This leadership change reflects Dow's commitment to aligning operational areas such as Integrated Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Information Systems under a unified direction to bolster overall business performance and customer engagement.

Carter's appointment comes at a time when Dow seeks to accelerate the commercialization of its innovation pipeline while improving service reliability. As she reports directly to Chair and CEO Jim Fitterling, her leadership is expected to enhance collaboration across departments and strengthen relationships with customers and partners. Fitterling commends Carter's proven track record in delivering robust business outcomes, emphasizing her capability to navigate complex challenges while prioritizing sustainability and innovative solutions. This strategic alignment under Carter’s leadership aims to not only streamline operations but also position Dow as a leader in providing sustainable materials to its clients.

The transition is accompanied by other key leadership changes within Dow, particularly in its Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment. Keith Cleason takes over as president of this segment, succeeding Carter. His role will focus on driving business performance, particularly in Latin America, amidst growing sustainability demands. Cleason's previous experience as business vice president equips him with the insights necessary to strategically manage resources and enhance asset allocation, crucial for sustaining Dow's market leadership in a rapidly evolving industry. With these leadership adjustments, Dow is set to reinforce its commitment to sustainable practices while pursuing growth in the competitive landscape of packaging and specialty plastics.

In addition to Carter and Cleason's appointments, Marco ten Bruggencate steps in to lead the Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure segment following Jane Palmieri's retirement. These changes signal Dow's proactive approach to leadership and its ongoing strategy to adapt to market demands while fostering innovation. The company remains focused on establishing itself as a frontrunner in sustainable solutions within the materials sector, ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of its customers.