How Dow’s New CEO Will Build On Existing Growth

Dow has announced plans to appoint Karen Carter as its new CEO, succeeding Jim Fitterling. 

Karen first joined Dow in 1994 as an intern before undertaking a 30-year career that saw her work across several executive roles throughout the company, including Global Business Director, Chief HR Officer and most recently COO.

Discussing her appointment as CEO, Karen says: “I am deeply honoured to assume the role of CEO and lead Dow into our next chapter.”

“Dow has extraordinary people, world-class assets and leading positions in the markets we serve. 

“Our focus remains unwavering: delivering reliable and innovative solutions for our customers, and long-term value for our employees and our shareholders, while accelerating our transformation to set a new competitive standard for best-in-class performance.”

In a company report, Dow says Jim, who has been CEO since August 2018, will transition to Executive Board Chair on 1 July, the official start date of Karen’s role.

The company’s Independent Lead Director Richard Davis, praised Jim’s leadership over the last eight years , saying: “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Jim for his exceptional leadership and continued contributions to Dow. 

“Jim has led the company through a period of significant transformation while strengthening Dow's strategy, culture and long-term positioning.”

Three decades of leadership

With more than three decades of leadership experience at Dow, Karen will oversee business and operational performance company-wide, while strengthening customer engagement and accelerating innovation.

Previously, Karen served as President of Dow’s Packaging & Speciality Plastics, the company’s largest operating segment, where she led value growth through asset upgrades, capacity expansions and improved reliability, while advancing circular economy solutions in close partnership with customers and brand owners.

She has also held other leadership roles across business, commercial and corporate functions, giving her extensive knowledge on Dow's operations.

Discussing how the company’s business strategies align with her leadership style, she adds: “[Dow’s] focus remains unwavering: delivering reliable and innovative solutions for our customers, and long-term value for our employees and our shareholders, while accelerating our transformation to set a new competitive standard for best-in-class performance. 

“I look forward to continuing my partnership with Jim in his new role as Executive Chair, and to working with the Board and all of Team Dow to advance our strategy and deliver on our priorities.”

Navigating company challenges

Since becoming CEO in 2018 and Board Chair in 202, Jim has been instrumental in reshaping Dow into a company that prioritises market resilience and innovation-driven enterprise.

Under his leadership, Dow successfully spun out from the DowDuPont merger, navigated several macro-economic and geopolitical challenges, such as the 2018 crude oil crash, and advanced existing company sustainability ambitions.

Discussing his departure, Jim says: “Serving as CEO of Dow has been the privilege of a lifetime. 

“Together with our employees and leadership team, we have transformed Dow into a stronger, more focused company with the right strategy, capabilities and culture for the future. 

“I look forward to continuing to support Dow as Executive Chair and working closely with Karen to help ensure continuity and strong execution.”

In his new role as Executive Board Chair, Jim will focus on long-term strategy, governance, and key external relationships, while supporting Karen’s transition to CEO.