Beginning Feb. 1, 2018, Jerry MacCleary, Covestro’s president and managing director – as well as head of the North American polyurethanes business unit – will take over as CEO and chairman of the board, the company said in a press release issued Wednesday. 

MacCleary will be succeeded in his role as head of the Polyurethanes business unit by Christine Bryant, the head of Coatings, Adhesives and Specialties.

COO Dr. Erik Haakan Jonsson will succeed MacCleary as president and managing director.

MacCleary, who currently represents Covestro as vice chairman of the board, a member of the Executive Committee and an officer at the American Chemistry Council (ACC), will become chairman of the ACC Executive Committee Jan. 1, 2018.

MacCleary joined Covestro – then part of Bayer – in 1979 as an accountant, before embarking on a diverse career path that included sales, marketing and strategic management roles throughout the United States and Germany. In 2004, MacCleary was named head of the North American Polyurethanes business unit – a role he maintained after becoming president of Covestro LLC in 2012.

MacCleary led Covestro’s North American business through its separation from Bayer AG and establishment as an independent company in 2015.

In addition to his roles at the ACC, MacCleary serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Manufacturers, the International Isocyanate Institute and the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry.

In Pittsburgh, home to Covestro’s North American headquarters, MacCleary serves on the board of directors of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Variety the Children’s Charity and the Imani Christian Academy. He also serves as a member of the board of trustees for the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation.

“I’m happy to continue my executive leadership role at Covestro,” MacCleary said. “At the same time, I am excited for the opportunity to make an even stronger contribution at ACC, which plays a critical role for Covestro and the entire chemical industry.

“I’ll be working to advance our industry leadership position at Covestro and, in conjunction with the ACC, promote industry issues, such as sustainability, innovation and safety. I’m also a Pittsburgher at heart and eager to continue my community service activities in this region.”

Since 2012, Bryant has led Covestro’s Coatings, Adhesives and Specialties (CAS) business in North America and also leads the unit’s global key account business. She joined Covestro in 1989 and has held increasing roles in marketing, sales, distribution and business development throughout her career. A chemical engineer by training, Bryant’s focus has been on creating stronger relationships with customers and developing new business and markets within the CAS area. She is also an advocate for STEM education and an active community leader, working closely with the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, as the current co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Council.

Jonsson joined Covestro in 1992 as a scientist in Pittsburgh. His career has led him throughout the United States and Germany, as he took on roles in manufacturing, innovation, supply chain and business development. Jonsson has served on the board of directors of various chemical industry, community service and educational organizations. He is a chemical engineer and holds his Ph.D. in polymer technology.

“I’ve spent my entire career with Covestro and am incredibly proud of the people and culture we have today,” said Jonsson. “Under Jerry’s leadership, Covestro has built its reputation in this region as a strong, bold and innovative company. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support him in carrying the torch forward — and I’m glad to be back in Pittsburgh, the city I call home.”





Pictured: (L-R): Jerry MacCleary; Dr. Erik Haakan Jonsson; Christine Bryant/Courtesy Covestro