Westlake appoints Jean-Marc Gilson as president, CEO

Jean-Marc Gilson. Photo Credit: Westlake Corp.

Global material manufacturer Westlake Corp. has named chemical industry veteran Jean-Marc Gilson as its new president and CEO.

In a news release, officials with Houston-based Westlake said that Gilson “brings 25 years of proven executive experience in the chemicals industry in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, during which he has led international companies and delivered impressive results.”

Gilson previously served as the president and CEO of Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp.

“[He] is the right leader to help us build on our track record of delivering market-leading results, disciplined growth and sustained shareholder value creation,” the release added.

“I am honored and humbled to become the second, and first non-family, CEO of Westlake,” Gilson said. “I have long admired Westlake as a best-in-class company at the forefront of delivering life-enhancing products through innovation in essential materials and building products.”

In connection with the announcement, Albert Chao, who has served as Westlake president since 1996 and CEO since 2004, will become chairman. James Chao, the current chairman, will become senior chairman of the Westlake board.

Westlake is a global manufacturer of materials PVC and polyethylene resins and a pipe maker. The company has operations in North America, Europe and Asia, and has about 16,000 employees.