Richard Stepan serves as Vice President and General Manager of the Polymers division at Stepan Company, a global leader in specialty chemicals headquartered in Northfield, Illinois. With more than 25 years of experience in the chemical industry, Richard has built a distinguished career focused on innovation, strategic growth, and sustainable polymer solutions. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, equipping him with a strong technical foundation and business acumen. Richard joined Stepan Company in 2005 as a Technical Service Manager in the Polymers group, rapidly advancing through roles including Director of Sales and Senior Director of Business Management. Under his leadership, the Polymers division has expanded its portfolio of high-performance surfactants and polymer additives, achieving double-digit annual growth and penetrating key markets in personal care, coatings, and agriculture. Notable achievements include spearheading the development of bio-based polymer emulsifiers that reduced environmental impact by 30% and securing multimillion-dollar partnerships with major consumer goods firms. In his current role, Richard oversees a global team of 150 professionals, driving R&D initiatives, supply chain optimization, and market expansion strategies. His vision emphasizes sustainability and circular economy principles, positioning Stepan’s Polymers division as a frontrunner in eco-friendly chemistries amid evolving regulatory landscapes. Richard’s contributions have earned him industry recognition, including the 2022 American Chemical Society Award for Innovation in Specialty Chemicals.