- Jim Fitterling will become Executive Chair effective July 1, 2026, transitioning from his CEO and Board Chair roles.
- Karen S. Carter, currently Chief Operating Officer, will become CEO and join the Board on July 1, 2026.
- Fitterling has served as CEO since 2018 and as Board Chair since 2020.
- The company operates manufacturing sites in 29 countries, employs about 34,600 people and reported approximately $40 billion in sales in 2025.
Leadership transition
Dow announced Jim Fitterling will move from Chair and Chief Executive Officer to Executive Chair of the Board, effective July 1, 2026; Karen S. Carter, currently Chief Operating Officer, will become Chief Executive Officer and join the Board on the same date. Richard Davis will remain Independent Lead Director.
Succession planning
The change follows a multi-year succession planning process intended to ensure continuity as Dow advances its strategy; the Board expects Fitterling to focus on long-term strategy, governance and key external relationships while supporting execution during the transition.
Fitterling's tenure
Fitterling has served as CEO since 2018 and as Board Chair since 2020; during his tenure he led Dow's spin-out from DowDuPont, navigated macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, and advanced sustainability and cultural priorities including safety, performance and inclusion.
Carter's background
Carter has more than three decades at Dow and broad operational experience as COO overseeing operating segments and key functions; she previously led the Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment, driving value through asset upgrades, capacity expansions, reliability improvements and circular-economy initiatives, and has held senior roles across business, commercial and corporate functions.
