Stepan Company Appoints Ruben Velasquez as New CFO to Drive Financial Strategy
- Stepan Company appoints Ruben Velasquez as CFO, effective July 15, 2025, enhancing financial strategy and operations.
- Velasquez's 20 years of global finance experience, including roles at 3M, uniquely positions him for Stepan's growth.
- Stepan aims to strengthen its global market position and innovation under Velasquez’s financial leadership.
Stepan Company Welcomes New CFO with Global Finance Expertise
Stepan Company, a leading manufacturer of specialty and intermediate chemicals, announces the appointment of Ruben Velasquez as its new Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective July 15, 2025. Velasquez succeeds Samuel Hinrichsen, who will remain in his position as Vice President of Finance. With over 20 years of global finance leadership experience, Velasquez is set to enhance Stepan's financial strategy and operations. His prior role as Vice President of Global Finance Transformation at 3M showcases his capability in managing complex financial landscapes, an asset for Stepan as it continues to grow in its diverse chemical manufacturing sectors.
Ruben Velasquez brings a rich background in finance, having held several key positions at 3M, including CFO for Manufacturing & Supply Chain Operations and the Consumer Business. His international experience includes roles as Finance Director and Country CFO in 3M's operations in Russia and Colombia. This breadth of experience positions him uniquely to navigate the financial challenges within the chemical industry, particularly as Stepan aims to expand its footprint in the global market. Velasquez’s early career at Ecopetrol in Colombia further solidifies his financial acumen, where he held significant leadership roles, including Finance Director Corporate FP&A and Treasury.
Luis E. Rojo, President and CEO of Stepan Company, expresses enthusiasm regarding Velasquez’s appointment, noting his extensive expertise across various industries such as industrial conglomerates and oil and gas. This diverse background aligns well with Stepan's operations, which include the production of surfactants for cleaning products, agricultural solutions, and polyurethane polyols for thermal insulation. As Stepan Company continues to refine its strategic approach in a competitive market, Velasquez’s leadership in financial transformation will be pivotal in driving growth and operational efficiency.
In addition to Velasquez's appointment, Stepan Company remains committed to leveraging its robust network of modern production facilities across North and South America, Europe, and Asia. The company is focused on enhancing its product offerings while maintaining high standards of sustainability and innovation within the chemical industry. As it moves forward, Stepan aims to capitalize on emerging market opportunities and strengthen its position as a key player in specialty chemicals.
With Velasquez at the helm of its financial strategies, Stepan Company is poised to navigate the complexities of the global chemical market while continuing to innovate and deliver value to its stakeholders. For more information, visit www.stepan.com.