Celanese Announces Kim K.W. Rucker as New Lead Independent Director

Rhea-AI Summary

Celanese appoints Kim K.W. Rucker as the new lead independent director, succeeding William M. 'Bill' Brown. Ms. Rucker brings extensive public company leadership and board experience to Celanese, enhancing strategic decision-making and shareholder value.

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE), a global specialty materials and chemical company, today announced Kim K.W. Rucker as its new lead independent director effective April 18, 2024. Ms. Rucker, former Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Andeavor (formerly Tesoro Corp.) and experienced corporate director, has been a member of the Celanese Board of Directors since 2018. She succeeds William M. “Bill” Brown who, as previously announced, decided not to seek re-election to the Board in conjunction with his appointment as the new Chief Executive Officer of 3M Corporation.

In connection with Ms. Rucker’s election as lead independent director, she stepped down as Chair of the Celanese Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and the Board appointed Ganesh Moorthy to that role, effective April 18, 2024. Ms. Rucker remains a member of the Celanese Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation and Management Development Committee.

Ms. Rucker draws from decades of public company executive leadership and board experience. “Since joining our Board, Kim’s wisdom, insights and engagement have been invaluable on topics ranging from strategic acquisitions to navigating the Covid pandemic. I’m thrilled that she will continue to bring her wealth of expertise and leadership to Celanese as our lead independent director,” said Lori Ryerkerk, Celanese Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President. “I would also like to thank Bill for his contributions over the last eight years and wish him the best in his new role.”

“I consider it a great privilege to engage with Celanese leadership and the Board, and I’m excited by this opportunity to lead in an expanded way,” Ms. Rucker said. “I appreciate the confidence of the Board and look forward to continuing to support Celanese and drive shareholder value.”

About Kim K.W. Rucker

Ms. Rucker serves as an independent director at HP Inc., Marathon Petroleum Corporation and GE Vernova. She is also a member of the board of trustees at Johns Hopkins Medicine and serves on the board of the nonprofit Haven for Hope. She previously served on the board of directors of Lennox International Inc.

Throughout her career, Ms. Rucker has demonstrated valuable strategic, leadership and corporate governance acumen at companies such as Andeavor, Kraft Foods Group, Inc., Avon Products, Inc., Energy Future Holdings Corp. and Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Ms. Rucker was also a Partner at Sidley Austin LLP.

Ms. Rucker earned a B.B.A. in Economics from the University of Iowa, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and a Master in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

About Celanese

Celanese is a global leader in chemistry, producing specialty material solutions used across most major industries and consumer applications. Our businesses use our chemistry, technology and commercial expertise to create value for our customers, employees and shareholders. We are committed to sustainability by responsibly managing the materials we create for their entire lifecycle and are growing our portfolio of sustainable products to meet increasing customer and societal demand. We strive to make a positive impact in our communities and to foster inclusivity across our teams. Celanese is a Fortune 500 company that employs approximately 12,400 employees worldwide with 2023 net sales of $10.9 billion.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240422300721/en/

Investor Relations

Brandon Ayache

+1 972 443 8509

brandon.ayache@celanese.com

Media Relations – Global

Brian Bianco

+1 972 443 4400

media@celanese.com

Media Relations Europe (Germany)

Petra Czugler

+49 69 45009 1206

petra.czugler@celanese.com

Source: Celanese Corporation

FAQ

When was Kim K.W. Rucker appointed as Celanese's new lead independent director?

Kim K.W. Rucker was appointed as Celanese's new lead independent director effective April 18, 2024.

Who did Kim K.W. Rucker succeed in her new role at Celanese?

Kim K.W. Rucker succeeded William M. 'Bill' Brown as the new lead independent director at Celanese.

What is Kim K.W. Rucker's background in terms of corporate experience?

Kim K.W. Rucker is a former Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary for Andeavor (formerly Tesoro Corp.) and an experienced corporate director.

What committees is Kim K.W. Rucker a member of at Celanese?

Kim K.W. Rucker is a member of the Celanese Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation and Management Development Committee.

Who was appointed as the new Chair of the Celanese Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee?

Ganesh Moorthy was appointed as the new Chair of the Celanese Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee effective April 18, 2024.

What was William M. 'Bill' Brown's new role after stepping down from the Celanese Board?

William M. 'Bill' Brown was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of 3M after stepping down from the Celanese Board.