Celanese, a global leader in chemical and specialty materials, has announced a major leadership transition effective January 1, 2025. Scott Richardson, the current Chief Operating Officer (COO), has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will join the Board of Directors. He succeeds Lori Ryerkerk, who will step down as Chairman, CEO, and director at the end of the year. Edward Galante, a long-serving independent director on the Board since 2013, will assume the role of Chair of the Board upon Ryerkerk’s departure.
Scott Richardson’s journey at Celanese spans more than two decades, during which he has held pivotal roles, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and leadership positions within the company’s Engineered Materials (EM) and Acetyl Chain (AC) divisions. His strategic contributions were integral to developing and executing operating models for EM and AC, enabling these segments to work cohesively as a value-creating pair.
Reflecting on his new role, Richardson expressed gratitude and optimism:
“It is an incredible honor to be named CEO-elect of Celanese, and I am grateful to our Board of Directors for entrusting me with this responsibility. Celanese is renowned for its tenacious execution, even in challenging times. I am committed to addressing today’s challenges head-on, focusing on improving our cost structure, driving cash generation, and positioning the company for long-term value creation.”
Outgoing CEO Lori Ryerkerk, who has led Celanese since 2019, highlighted her pride in the company’s achievements during her tenure, stating:
“Scott is a proven leader with deep expertise and fresh perspectives. I am confident he will guide Celanese to even greater heights.”
Board and Leadership Perspective
Kim Rucker, Lead Independent Director of the Celanese Board, emphasized the deliberate nature of the succession planning process, expressing confidence in Richardson’s capabilities:
“Scott’s appointment marks a significant step in Celanese’s strategic growth journey. We are excited about the long-term success the company will achieve under his leadership.”
Rucker also acknowledged Ryerkerk’s impactful leadership, noting her ability to navigate challenging macroeconomic conditions while enhancing Celanese’s competitive edge.
Background on Scott A. Richardson
Richardson joined Celanese in 2005 and steadily advanced through various leadership roles, including global commercial director and manager of Investor Relations. His tenure as CFO, beginning in 2018, and subsequent promotion to COO, underscored his ability to deliver record profitability and growth. Prior to Celanese, Richardson held positions in finance and operations at American Airlines. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Westminster College and an MBA from Texas Christian University.
Background on Edward G. Galante
Galante, who assumes the Chair of the Board, brings extensive experience from his 30-year career at ExxonMobil, including roles as Senior Vice President and Executive Vice President of ExxonMobil Chemical. His expertise spans industrial and environmental services, energy, and engineering. Galante holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University.
About
Founded on innovation and sustainability, Celanese develops high-performance materials used across industries. With a global workforce of 12,400 employees and 2023 net sales of $10.9 billion, the company remains committed to sustainable practices and inclusivity. Its continued focus on delivering cutting-edge solutions underscores its position as a Fortune 500 leader in the chemical industry.
