Dow Names Karen S. Carter as Its New CEO

Karen S. Carter, currently chief operating officer (COO) at Dow, has been named CEO of the global company effective July 1, when she will also join Dow’s board of directors.

At that same time, CEO Jim Fitterling will become executive chair of the board.

The announcement reflects the culmination of a multiyear succession planning process, Dow said in a news release.

Since becoming CEO in 2018 and board chair in 2020, Fitterling “has guided Dow through its spin-out from DowDuPont, navigated the enterprise through macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, and transformed Dow by advancing its sustainability ambitions and reinforcing a culture centered on safety, performance and inclusion,” the company also said. “In his new role, Fitterling will continue to chair the board and focus on long-term strategy, governance, and key external relationships, while supporting continuity in leadership and execution.”

As COO, Carter has overseen business and operational performance, with responsibility for Dow’s operating segments and key functional organizations, while strengthening customer engagement and accelerating innovation.

Dow operates manufacturing sites in 29 countries and employs approximately 34,600 people. It had sales of approximately $40 billion in 2025, the company says.