Leadership changes at Covestro in North America

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Covestro’s North America business announced that it plans three top-level management changes, to take effect from 1 February 2018, with Jerry MacCleary becoming CEO and chairman of the board of Covestro LLC.

MacCleary will be succeeded in his role as head of the polyurethanes business unit by Christine Bryant, currently head of coatings, adhesives and specialties. Erik Haakan Jonsson, currently chief operating officer, will succeed MacCleary as president and managing director.

MacCleary, who currently represents Covestro as vice chairman of the board, a member of the executive committee and an officer at the American Chemistry Council (ACC), is scheduled to become chairman of the ACC Executive Committee on 1 January 2018.

MacCleary joined the company  in 1979 as an accountant, before leading the North American business through its separation from Bayer and establishment as part of Covestro in 2015.

‘I’m happy to continue my executive leadership role,’ MacCleary said. ‘At the same time, I am excited for the opportunity to make an even stronger contribution at ACC, which plays a critical role for the entire [US] chemical industry.’

Bryant has led the company’s coatings, adhesives and specialties business in North America since 2012, and also leads the unit’s global key account business. She joined Covestro in 1989, and has held roles in marketing, sales, distribution and business development.

Jonsson joined the firm in 1992 as a scientist in Pittsburgh. He has worked in the US and Germany, in roles including manufacturing, innovation, supply chain and business development. Jonsson has served as a director of several chemical industry, community service and educational organisations.