Celanese Corporation, a globally recognized leader in the production of chemical and specialty material solutions, recently announced the election of Christopher Kuehn to its Board of Directors. Mr. Kuehn, who currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Trane Technologies plc, is set to assume his new role at Celanese on January 1, 2025. This appointment will expand the Celanese Board to 12 members, 11 of whom will serve as independent directors, strengthening the board’s commitment to effective governance and strategic oversight.
Kim Rucker, the Lead Independent Director of Celanese, shared her excitement about the addition of Kuehn to the Board. “The Board is delighted to welcome Chris. He is a seasoned executive that deepens the Board’s financial and risk management expertise while also bringing fresh perspectives as a current CFO managing a range of financial, information technology, and security disciplines,” Rucker said. This sentiment highlights the valuable contributions Kuehn is expected to bring to the organization’s leadership.
Christopher Kuehn: A Proven Leader in Finance and Risk Management
At 52, Christopher Kuehn brings decades of experience in financial management, risk assessment, and digital technology oversight. Currently serving as Executive Vice President and CFO of Trane Technologies, a company renowned for its global climate innovation solutions, Kuehn oversees numerous critical operations. His responsibilities include investor relations, financial planning and analysis, treasury management, business unit finance, and enterprise risk management.
Kuehn’s role also encompasses global information technology and digital risk functions, emphasizing his capability to address complex challenges in a rapidly evolving business environment. His expertise spans multiple disciplines, making him a valuable addition to the Celanese Board as the company continues to innovate and expand its global footprint.
Since 2020, Kuehn has served as CFO at Trane Technologies, a role he assumed following the company’s formation through a Reverse Morris Trust Transaction with Ingersoll Rand. Before this milestone, he held the position of Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at Ingersoll Rand from 2015 to 2020, where he led global controllership, financial reporting, and business finance operations.
Kuehn’s professional journey also includes a successful tenure as Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer at Whirlpool Corporation from 2012 to 2015, where he oversaw financial reporting and global accounting operations. Earlier in his career, he served as Segment CFO for the Thermal Equipment & Services division at SPX Corporation and held various senior financial roles within the company from 2006 to 2012.
His career began at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in 1994, where he gained substantial experience in assurance practices and financial management, steadily advancing to roles of increasing responsibility.
A Strong Educational and Professional Foundation
Kuehn’s robust career is complemented by a strong academic background. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the State University of New York College at Geneseo and an MBA from the University of Rochester. Additionally, he is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New York, highlighting his deep understanding of financial and regulatory frameworks.
This blend of education and experience positions Kuehn as a key contributor to Celanese’s strategic vision and operational success.
A Promising Future at Celanese
As a member of the Celanese Board of Directors, Kuehn is expected to leverage his financial, strategic, and technological expertise to help the company achieve its objectives. His nomination will be formally presented to shareholders for approval during the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Celanese Corporation stands as a global leader in the chemical industry, delivering innovative specialty material solutions across a wide range of industries, from automotive to healthcare and electronics. A Fortune 500 company, Celanese recorded $10.9 billion in net sales in 2023 and employs approximately 12,400 individuals worldwide.
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of Celanese’s operations, with the company focused on developing eco-friendly products and responsibly managing resources to meet the needs of its customers and society. Celanese also emphasizes inclusivity and community engagement, fostering a culture that supports both business success and positive societal impact.
Strategic Growth Through Leadership
The addition of Christopher Kuehn to the Celanese Board underscores the company’s dedication to governance excellence and forward-thinking innovation. Kuehn’s extensive background in finance, risk management, and digital transformation aligns seamlessly with Celanese’s mission to deliver sustainable value to its stakeholders.
As Celanese continues to shape the future of specialty material solutions, Kuehn’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in driving innovation, ensuring financial discipline, and advancing the company’s commitment to sustainability. His appointment marks an important step in Celanese’s journey of growth, reinforcing its position as a leader in the global chemical industry.
