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Karen Carter to succeed Jim Fitterling as Dow CEO
Dow has announced Karen S. Carter as its next CEO, effective 1 July 2026. She will replace Jim Fitterling, who will transition to Executive Chair of the Board.
Carter, who is currently Dow’s Chief Commercial Officer and President of the Packaging & Specialty Plastics business, brings over 25 years of experience within Dow and has held key leadership roles across commercial, marketing, and sustainability functions. Her appointment marks a historic milestone for the company, as she becomes the first woman to lead Dow in its 126-year history.
She will succeed Jim Fitterling, who has served as CEO since 2018 and will transition to Executive Chair of the Board. The announcement follows a multi-year succession planning process aimed at ensuring continuity and strengthening Dow’s strategic leadership. Richard Davis, Dow’s Independent Lead Director, praised both executives, stating, “Jim has led Dow through significant transformation and growth, while Karen is an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of our business and customers. Her appointment reflects our confidence in her ability to advance Dow’s strategy and create long-term value for stakeholders.”
Continuity and transformation under Jim Fitterling
During his tenure, Fitterling reshaped Dow into a more focused, resilient, and innovation-driven company. He led the organisation through its spin-out from DowDuPont, navigated macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, and advanced sustainability ambitions. Under his leadership, Dow prioritised higher-growth markets, including packaging and specialty coatings, while fostering a culture centred on safety, performance, and inclusion.
Reflecting on his time as CEO, Fitterling stated, “Serving as Dow’s CEO has been the privilege of a lifetime. I look forward to supporting Karen and the team as Executive Chair, ensuring strong execution and continuity.” In his new role, Fitterling will focus on governance, long-term strategy, and external relationships.
Karen S. Carter: a proven leader for Dow’s next chapter
Carter’s extensive career at Dow spans critical roles in operations, business leadership, and customer engagement. As Chief Operating Officer, she oversaw the company’s operating segments and functional organisations, driving performance and innovation. Previously, as President of Dow’s Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment, she advanced circular economy solutions and led value growth through asset upgrades and capacity expansions.
Carter expressed her vision for Dow’s future, stating, “I am honoured to lead Dow into its next chapter. Our focus remains on delivering innovative solutions for customers and creating long-term value for all stakeholders, while accelerating our transformation to set new standards in performance.”
