05.08.19
Covestro LLC announced that Jerry MacCleary will retire from his current position as CEO and chairman of the board, effective Dec. 31, 2019.
MacCleary’s retirement caps a 40-year tenure at Covestro. He first joined the company in November 1979 as an accountant. He's held roles in sales, marketing, general management and strategic leadership. In 2004, MacCleary was named head of the North American Polyurethanes business – a responsibility he maintained even after taking the helm at Covestro LLC in 2012. MacCleary was named to his current position as CEO and chairman in 2018.
“I’ve had a long, fulfilling career with this company, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished over the years,” said MacCleary. “Covestro has a vibrant new culture, a strong, diverse leadership team and a promising future here in the region – I can’t think of a better time to retire. Saying goodbye to my Covestro family won’t be easy, but I’m looking forward to starting this next chapter of my life.”
MacCleary has led the North American organization through a number of transformative changes, including Covestro’s separation from Bayer AG and establishment as an independent company in 2015.
He continues to be a strong advocate for the region. Under MacCleary’s leadership in 2018, Covestro committed to a $1.7 billion investment to build a new MDI plant in Baytown, Texas. (MDI is a key raw material for polyurethane production.) It was the largest single investment project in the company’s history.
MacCleary’s leadership extends into the chemical industry as well, where he serves as chairman of the American Chemistry Council’s Board of Directors and chairs its Sustainability Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Manufacturers and the Executive Committee for the Society of Chemical Industry.
“Our team, our business and our reputation in North America have thrived under Jerry’s leadership, and we’re grateful for his many contributions over the years,” said Dr. Markus Steilemann, CEO, Covestro AG. “While Jerry will retire at the end of 2019, the impact he’s had on our culture, community and industry will be felt for years to come.”
