Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Visit thechemicalsummit.com

With the 2026 Chemical Summit on the horizon and Michael Lefenfeld set as the keynote speaker, this timely re-release spotlights his leadership at Hexion as the company moves beyond traditional chemicals into technology-enabled solutions. Victoria Meyer and Michael dig into the pressures facing the industry, from increasing customer demands and global competition to the need for digital transformation and resilient supply chains.

Their conversation covers Hexion’s approach to innovation through AI-powered systems, the shift to customer partnerships, and talent strategies for a rapidly changing workforce. For business leaders anticipating the themes of the upcoming Chemical Summit, this episode offers practical insights on transformation and sustainable growth in today’s industry landscape.

Join us to learn more about the following topics this week:

• Fast-paced transformation in private equity environments
• Hexion’s journey: legacy, rebranding, and global reach
• Moving from commodity supplier to solutions provider
• Using AI and digital tools to improve manufacturing and product quality
• Addressing workforce shifts and talent needs in chemicals
• Core leadership lessons: curiosity, collaboration, and diversity

Other links:

• Learn more about the 2026 Chemical Summit: https://www.thechemicalsummit.com

Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Visit thechemicalsummit.com

Download the Executive Discussion Guide: https://www.thechemicalshow.com/midyear

How do you reset your business and leadership strategy when the world refuses to stick to the plan? Victoria King Meyer brings a midyear perspective on the dramatic changes shaping the chemical industry in 2026, ranging from supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions to the accelerating implementation of AI and ongoing restructuring across global markets.

Victoria shares a blueprint for turning uncertainty into opportunity as she breaks down three essential resets for both organizations and individual leaders. She highlights the importance of reassessing assumptions, reallocating resources, and building adaptability at every level. With actionable advice and a practical executive discussion guide, this episode offers chemical industry professionals a timely roadmap to recalibrate for a stronger second half of the year.

Join us this week as Victoria Meyer covers:

• The necessity of resetting your business plan when the world changes
• How supply chain and geopolitical risks have shifted industry priorities
• Moving AI and digital tools from experimentation to value creation
• Three conversations every leadership team needs to have this summer
• Building adaptability and removing organizational friction
• The role of leadership attention, impact, and redefining success in tough times
• Actionable steps for setting a new personal and professional scorecard for 2026

Other links:

• Download the Executive Discussion Guide: https://www.thechemicalshow.com/midyear
• Listen to executive perspectives from S&P Global and Chemical Market Analytics (Episode 250)

Join industry leaders at The Chemical Summit on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Visit thechemicalsummit.com

John Richardson, Director of Market Insights at ICIS, joins host Victoria Meyer to unpack the turbulence of 2026 in the global chemical markets. John shares perspectives on how the Middle East conflict rapidly shifted the market from chronic oversupply to acute undersupply, sending shockwaves through supply chains. The conversation highlights China’s evolving strategy, moving from a net importer to a net exporter of key petrochemicals, alongside the roles of stockpiling, export push, and moving down the cost curve.

Victoria and John discuss the growing divide between Asian producers, with Chinese assets better positioned than those in Northeast Asia, which have struggled with costly feedstocks and plant shutdowns. John explains how anti-dumping measures and the proliferation of safeguard policies are influencing global trade, and why project delays and overinvestment may push out recovery timelines. Looking ahead, John outlines the key market and geopolitical signals to watch for as the industry navigates through uncertainty.

Key topics covered:

• Effects of the Middle East crisis on chemical supply chains and market pricing
• China’s rapid shift from importer to exporter and its impact on global markets
• The influence of cost, integration, and energy targets on China’s chemical industry
• Why some plants may not restart and the long-term view on capacity and demand
• The future of project investment and what signals indicate market recovery

Other Links:

John Richardson