Karen S. Carter
Summary
Karen S. Carter is Dow’s CEO and a long-serving Dow executive who assumed the CEO role on July 1, 2026, after serving as chief operating officer since December 2024. ([corporate.dow.com](https://corporate.dow.com/en-us/about-dow/leadership/karen-carter.html?utm_source=openai))
Biography
Carter joined Dow in 1994 and has held leadership roles spanning business operations, sales and marketing, human resources, and corporate functions. She has international experience in Asia Pacific and has worked across businesses including Building and Construction, Polyethylene, Engineering Thermoplastics, Fabricated Products, Information Technology Equipment, and Consumer Electronics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Howard University and a master’s degree in international business from DePaul University. ([corporate.dow.com](https://corporate.dow.com/en-us/about-dow/leadership/karen-carter.html?utm_source=openai)) Before becoming CEO, Carter served as Dow’s chief operating officer, with oversight of the company’s operating segments and key functional organizations. From 2022 to 2024, she was president of Dow’s Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment, and from 2019 to 2022 she served as chief human resources officer and chief inclusion officer. She also serves on the board of Southwire and participates in several business and nonprofit organizations. ([corporate.dow.com](https://corporate.dow.com/en-us/about-dow/leadership/karen-carter.html?utm_source=openai))
Notable achievements
- Led Dow’s Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment, including initiatives involving asset upgrades, capacity expansions, and improved reliability. ([corporate.dow.com](https://corporate.dow.com/en-us/about-dow/leadership/karen-carter.html?utm_source=openai))
- Oversaw the launch of circular product lines including REVOLOOP recycled plastic resins and INNATE precision packaging resins. ([corporate.dow.com](https://corporate.dow.com/en-us/about-dow/leadership/karen-carter.html?utm_source=openai))
- Led or sponsored efforts involving the acquisition of Circulus, a mechanical recycler, and partnerships intended to expand circular feedstock supply. ([corporate.dow.com](https://corporate.dow.com/en-us/about-dow/leadership/karen-carter.html?utm_source=openai))
- As chief operating officer, was responsible for companywide operating performance, customer engagement, and acceleration of Dow’s innovation pipeline. ([sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1751788/000119312526153769/d103960d8k.htm?utm_source=openai))
- Her appointment as CEO followed a multiyear succession-planning process intended to provide continuity in Dow’s strategy and operations. ([sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1751788/000119312526153769/d103960dex992.htm?utm_source=openai))
Problem areas / controversies
- Carter became CEO on July 1, 2026, so there is not yet a meaningful public record for evaluating her performance in the top role. ([sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1751788/000119312526153769/d103960d8k.htm?utm_source=openai))
- Dow entered her CEO tenure amid weak chemical-market conditions, restructuring actions, asset reviews, and plans to reduce costs and capital spending. ([investors.dow.com](https://investors.dow.com/en/news/news-details/2025/Dow-Reports-First-Quarter-2025-Results/default.aspx?utm_source=openai))
- Dow continues to face substantial environmental and legacy-contamination obligations; these are company-level risks rather than evidence of personal misconduct by Carter. ([sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1751788/000175178826000018/dow-20251231.htm?utm_source=openai))
- No significant personal controversy involving Carter was identified in the reviewed company filings and reputable public sources.