CPChem announced that Senior Vice President Steve Prusak will succeed current President and CEO Bruce Chinn effective March 1st 2024.
Chinn will retire after more than 40 years in the energy industry, remarking, “The past three years at the helm of CPChem have been among the most rewarding of my career. It’s been a privilege to lead this great company through a time of transition as we advance a portfolio of strategic projects to grow our global asset base, progress a circular economy for plastics, and work to lower the carbon intensity of our operations. I am most proud of our engaged global workforce for continuing to operate our plants safely and reliably and serve our customers with excellence.”
Prusak, a seasoned veteran of the chemical industry with over 30 years of experience, brings profound knowledge of CPChem’s core business and robust growth expertise to the role. In his current capacity, he oversees the company’s strategy function and research and technology department, as well as the projects organisation, which is currently engaged in constructing two world-scale facilities on the U.S. Gulf Coast and in Qatar. He previously spearheaded CPChem’s business transformation efforts, focusing on unlocking value through innovation and continuous improvement of business processes and operations. Since joining CPChem soon after its inception in 2000, he has held various leadership positions in commercial, business development, finance, and projects.
Prusak holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware and an MBA from the University of Houston.
Mitra Kashanchi, president of Chevron Chemicals and CPChem board member, commended Chinn’s remarkable career, stating, “Under his leadership, CPChem has delivered on its strategic objectives to grow the business and establish targets to reduce the carbon intensity of its operations. With projects like Ras Laffan Petrochemicals in Qatar and Golden Triangle Polymers in Texas underway, Steve’s extensive background in project execution and his commitment to operational excellence position him well to continue CPChem’s growth and to deliver strategic value.”
The company also announced several additional management changes, effective March 1, 2024:
- Mitch Eichelberger, currently Executive Vice President, polymers and specialties, will retire from the company after more than 40 years of service to CPChem and Chevron.
- Justine Smith, currently Senior Vice President, petrochemicals, will become executive vice president, commercial, assuming additional responsibility for the polymers and specialties businesses.
- Bryan Canfield, currently Senior Vice President, manufacturing, will take on additional responsibility for projects organisation and become Executive Vice President, manufacturing and projects.
- Kevin Ristroph, currently Vice President, specialties, will become Senior Vice President, corporate planning and technology, overseeing the company’s strategy and research and technology functions.
Tim Roberts, Executive Vice President, midstream and chemicals, at Phillips 66 and a member of the CPChem board of directors, praised the management changes, affirming, “These management changes represent the strong leadership talent at CPChem, and we look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive under their direction.”
Prusak extended his congratulations to Chinn and Eichelberger on their retirements, noting their invaluable contributions to CPChem’s success, and expressed his anticipation for his new role, saying, “My colleagues and I are honored by the trust our board of directors has placed in us. It’s a dynamic time for our industry, and we are excited by the challenges and opportunities ahead for this company.”
For more information visit www.cpchem.com
