One of the world’s leading chemical companies, Dow Inc., has announced a significant leadership transition with the appointment of Karen Carter as its next Chief Executive Officer.
Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO), Carter will officially take over the CEO role on July 1 and will also join Dow’s Board of Directors on the same date.
Leadership Transition with Continuity
Karen Carter will succeed Jim Fitterling, who has served as CEO since 2018 and as Chair of the Board since 2020.
Fitterling will remain actively involved in the company, continuing his role as Executive Chair of the Board.
Dow stated that the transition is the result of a “multi-year succession planning process,” ensuring a smooth and strategic leadership handover.
More Than 30 Years of Experience at Dow
Karen Carter brings over three decades of experience within Dow, having joined the company in 1994.
Before her appointment as CEO, she led Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Dow’s largest business segment by revenue.
Throughout her career, Carter has held several key leadership roles, including:
- Chief Inclusion Officer
- Chief Human Resources Officer
- Senior leadership positions in building & construction and plastics businesses
Fitterling Era: Transformation and Sustainability
During his tenure, Jim Fitterling led Dow through a period of significant transformation.
According to the company, he:
- Successfully guided Dow through its spin-off from DowDuPont
- Navigated complex macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges
- Advanced the company’s sustainability strategy and ambitions
Richard Davis, Dow’s Independent Lead Director, commented:
“He has led the company through a period of significant transformation while strengthening Dow’s strategy, culture, and long-term positioning.”
Strong Confidence in the New CEO
Davis also expressed strong confidence in Karen Carter’s leadership:
“Karen is a disciplined and highly respected leader with a deep understanding of Dow’s businesses and customers.”
Davis, who has served as Independent Lead Director since 2021, will continue in his role.
A $40 Billion Chemical Giant
Dow remains the largest chemical producer in the United States by revenue.
The company generated approximately $40 billion in revenue in 2025, while the Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment, previously led by Carter, accounted for around $20 billion of that total.
A Strategic Leadership Shift
Karen Carter’s appointment signals a new phase where operational expertise is expected to align with long-term strategic growth.
The company is anticipated to further strengthen its position in:
- High-value-added products
- Sustainability-driven innovation
- Global competitiveness
