by Sharelle B. McNair
April 15, 2026
The HBCU grad, receiving her Bachelor’s diploma from Howard College, joins a small group of ladies working Fortune 500 firms as the brand new Dow CEO and an excellent smaller group of Black girls who lead them.
Dow introduced some modifications to its management on the board of administrators, selling Chief Working Officer Karen S. Carter to Chief Government Officer (CEO). She’s going to substitute Jim Fitterling.
The transfer turns into efficient July 1.
“She is a disciplined, extremely revered chief with a deep understanding of Dow’s companies and prospects,” Richard Davis, Dow’s impartial lead director, stated in an announcement. “This appointment displays our confidence in her means to guide Dow ahead into its subsequent chapter of progress and worth creation for patrons, staff and shareholders.”
The appointment makes Carter the primary Black lady to guide a serious U.S. chemical firm, in line with Chemical & Engineering Information. Carter has greater than 30 years of expertise at Dow.
Throughout her tenure as COO, she oversaw enterprise and operational efficiency throughout firm strains. whereas strengthening buyer engagement and accelerating innovation.
Carter stated she is “deeply honored” to take a seat on this position and excited to guide “into our subsequent chapter.”
“Dow has extraordinary individuals, world-class belongings and main positions within the markets we serve,” Carter added. “Our focus stays unwavering: delivering dependable and modern options for our prospects, and long-term worth for our staff and our shareholders, whereas accelerating our transformation to set a brand new aggressive commonplace for best-in-class efficiency.
“I sit up for persevering with my partnership with Jim in his new position as Government Chair, and to working with the Board and all of Crew Dow to advance our technique and ship on our priorities.”
Beforehand, Carter served as president of Dow’s Packaging & Specialty Plastics, the corporate’s largest working phase.
Carter, who obtained her bachelor’s diploma from Howard College, joins a small group of ladies working Fortune 500 firms—and an excellent smaller group of Black girls who lead them. A record-high 55 girls maintain CEO roles, however solely two are Black girls.
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