Industry Insights: Trends and Transformations
Session Summary: The chemical industry stands as a vital pillar in our global economy, providing the essential building blocks for key products and infrastructures that shape our daily lives. However, the industry faces an array of challenges and opportunities amidst evolving market dynamics. This fireside chat presented by ICIS experts aims to delve into the critical factors impacting the chemical industry today while exploring how the future will be shaped by energy and circularity transitions, and talent transformation. Through a conversational format, we will address pressing issues, examine emerging trends, and highlight the imperative of diversity in driving sustainable growth.
Understanding Today’s Landscape:
Unpacking supply chain vulnerabilities and disruptions
Assessing cost dynamics and margin pressures
Scrutinizing the complexities of current overcapacity challenges
Navigating the complex regulatory landscape and compliance requirements
Preparing for a Green, Digital & Diverse Future:
The impact of energy and circularity transitions
Balancing profitability and core operations amidst the green transition
Recognizing the importance of diverse talent pools in shaping industry innovation
Format: This fireside chat will blend insightful analysis with practical examples, drawing from real-world experiences. Through an engaging and interactive dialogue, participants will gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of today’s markets and foster inspiration for driving sustainable growth in the future.
This Session is Sponsored By:
ICIS
Speakers
Dr. kevin Swift
Dr. Kevin Swift is senior economist for global chemicals at ICIS where he is responsible for quarterly thought pieces addressing key market dynamics and is demand advisor for long-term supply demand balances. He joined ICIS after retiring as chief economist at the American Chemistry Council. Prior to joining ACC, Dr. Swift headed market research and forecasting at two consultancies. He started his career at Dow Chemical.
Dr. Swift is a Fellow and former president of the National Association for Business Economics and a member of the Harvard Discussion Group of Industrial Economists and National Business Economics Issues Council. He is a member of The Wall Street Journal Forecasters’ Survey panel and other forecast survey panels. Author of A History of American Business Cycles.
Soline Guérineau
Soline Guérineau is a sustainability specialist who has served various leadership roles in analytics, media, and events businesses. Soline is the sustainability strategy director for ICIS and is responsible for leading the current and future direction of ICIS’ sustainability data, analytics and insights strategy. Through her work at ICIS, Soline is committed to supporting energy and chemical value-chains on their transition to low emission, circular business models. During her last tenure, she piloted business transformation, commercial enablement, and content strategies for The Economist Group’s flagship Sustainability initiatives, including The Sustainability Project and the World Ocean Initiative.
Throughout her career, Soline has been driven by the power of leveraging data and insights to help customers turn ideas and innovation into action. A globally-minded, curious, and passionate senior executive, Soline brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with a commercial drive at heart.
In her own time, Soline is a horse aficionado, an avid reader, and a travel enthusiast.
Alex Lidback
Alex Lidback served as a Vice President of Chemical Data from August 2018. Following the acquisition of Chemical Data by ICIS in July 2020, Alex assumed responsibilities for ICIS’ chemicals analytics portfolio. Alex has 30+ years of chemical industry experience, and much of his career has been in research and consulting. In addition, he applies his wide-randing background in global chemical feedstocks, olefins, aromatics, and polymer. Alex gives executive and conference presentations, providing analysis and forecasts on the chemical industry.
In his career, he has extensive global experience including two separate period of workins in London, UK with responsibility for Greater Europe and the Middle East. Prior experience includes positions in Wood Mackenzie and CMA/IHS, building and leading teams in various positions.
Alex holds a BA in Economics from Louisiana State University.
emily Friedman
Emily Friedman is an experienced sustainability leader and market editor, driven by a passion for people and the planet. In her current role, she exposes market trends and provides thought leadership for the North American recycled plastics industry. Prior to ICIS, Emily was a corrosion expert and reliability engineer at ExxonMobil, serving both refining and petrochemical operations.
She holds a degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Virginia Tech and resides in Houston, TX. Emily has been recognized by the Society of Women Engineers for her extraordinary commitment to inclusion and diversity.