Calgary-based Nova Chemicals Corp. announced on April 6 the appointment of Roger Kearns as president and CEO, effective June 12, 2023. He most recently served as the chief operating officer of Westlake Corp., a global supplier of petrochemicals, polymers, and fabricated building products that reported net sales of $15.8 billion and annual net income of $2.2 billion in 2022. 

Kearns succeeds Danny Dweik, who was named interim president and CEO of Nova Chemicals in October 2022. Dweik will remain a member of Nova’s board of directors and return to his role as head of industrials and business services at Mubadala Investment Co., the $284-billion Abu Dhabi-based investor. 

Kearns is a senior executive with extensive international leadership experience in both the commodity and specialty chemicals environments, said the news release. During his tenure at Westlake, he formerly served as executive vice president, Performance and Essential Materials, driving large-scale revenue growth and leading the acquisition of Hexion’s global epoxy business. He holds a bachelor of chemical engineering from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Stanford. Kearns spent the first part of his career at Solvay, where he held progressively senior roles on both the operational and investment sides across a number of international markets.

Chairman of Nova Chemicals Ahmed Yahia Al Idrissi applauded Kearns’ industry knowledge and operational depth in a prepared statement. He singled out his “proven track record in driving performance improvements and . . . ability to mobilize and lead large organizations. We are confident he will deliver Nova’s 2030 vision of becoming North America’s leading sustainable polyethylene producer,” said Al Idrissi.

“Nova Chemicals consistently proves its ability to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges, and I am thrilled to lead the company toward a more sustainable future,” commented Kearns. “Driving forward with purpose and passion will unlock new possibilities, fuel growth, and create value for our customers, employees, and communities. Together we will shape the future of our industry and make a positive impact in the world,” said Kearns.