Listen to The Interview with Michael Here:
With the 2026 Chemical Summit on the horizon and Michael Lefenfeld set as the keynote speaker, this timely re-release spotlights his leadership at Hexion as the company moves beyond traditional chemicals into technology-enabled solutions. Victoria Meyer and Michael dig into the pressures facing the industry, from increasing customer demands and global competition to the need for digital transformation and resilient supply chains.
Their conversation covers Hexion’s approach to innovation through AI-powered systems, the shift to customer partnerships, and talent strategies for a rapidly changing workforce. For business leaders anticipating the themes of the upcoming Chemical Summit, this episode offers practical insights on transformation and sustainable growth in today’s industry landscape.
Join us to learn more about the following topics this week:
- Fast-paced transformation in private equity environments
- Hexion’s journey: legacy, rebranding, and global reach
- Moving from commodity supplier to solutions provider
- Using AI and digital tools to improve manufacturing and product quality
- Addressing workforce shifts and talent needs in chemicals
- Core leadership lessons: curiosity, collaboration, and diversity
Killer Quote: “It’s really about that empowerment of information and that spread of knowledge across the organization… I surround myself with the smartest people I can. It makes my job really easy.” — Michael Lefenfeld
Other links:
- Learn more about the 2026 Chemical Summit: https://www.thechemicalsummit.com
Watch Victoria Interview Michael Lefenfeld of Hexion on Youtube Here:
From Transformation to Advantage with Hexion’s Michael Lefenfeld (Revisited)
With the 2026 Chemical Summit on the horizon, The Chemical Show is revisiting a conversation that remains especially relevant. Michael Lefenfeld, President and CEO of Hexion, will open the Summit as keynote speaker. His perspective on reshaping business advantage and fostering transformation is timely for industry professionals managing complex change.
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A Focus on Transformation
Michael Lefenfeld’s path stands out. He has a long track record in chemicals, materials, and entrepreneurial ventures—he even holds more than 100 patents. At Hexion, he’s steered the business through significant change, driven by both customer needs and market realities. “We are 100% customer focused,” Lefenfeld explained. This approach is not just about product; it’s about helping customers innovate and build resilience in their own supply chains.
From Commodity Chemicals to Technology Solutions
Hexion’s legacy stretches back more than 150 years, but the past few years have been about adaptation and growth. The company has shifted its focus from commodity chemicals to become a solutions provider, investing in technology, especially AI and data-driven quality systems. This has allowed Hexion to support customers with higher quality, more efficient manufacturing, and sustainability solutions.
Recent partnerships, such as those with SMART Technologies and Bloom Biorenewables, point to the importance of not just developing internal capabilities but forging external collaborations that accelerate innovation.
The Human and Leadership Element
Transformation is only possible if people can adapt. Lefenfeld’s philosophy is to hire for curiosity and prioritize AI fluency across all roles. This upskilling supports not just internal productivity, but helps customers optimize their own operations. He’s also committed to building diverse teams, believing that creativity and adaptability are grounded in bringing together different experiences and viewpoints.
For those early in their careers or seeking to lead change, Lefenfeld is direct: stay curious, ask questions, and surround yourself with talent that pushes the business forward.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Chemical Summit
As the Summit approaches, Lefenfeld’s story is a clear example of how chemical companies can redefine their competitive advantage by focusing on technology, partnerships, and people. His upcoming keynote will be an opportunity to dig further into these themes and set the stage for important conversations across the industry.
For those shaping their own leadership journeys, or simply seeking smart strategies for transformation, this episode delivers practical lessons worth revisiting.
About Michael Lefenfeld:
Michael Lefenfeld
Michael Lefenfeld is President and Chief Executive Officer at Hexion Inc. He is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hexion Inc. and serves as a member of the Board of Managers for ASP Resins Holdings LP. Michael joined Hexion in January 2023.
Prior to joining Hexion and beginning in 2018, Michael served as President and CEO of Cyanco International, where he led the world’s largest manufacturer of gold and silver extraction materials, while driving the effort to make recovery safer and more efficient. From 2007 to 2017, he was President and CEO of SIGNa Chemistry, a global chemical manufacturer of reactive metal materials serving oil & gas recovery, petrochemical refining, alternative energy and chemical processing industries. Michael also founded Alkami Consulting Group, a technology investment advisory group, and Blood Gas Diagnostics, a medical device technology growth company.
With a unique combination of executive, operational and entrepreneurial experience, Michael holds more than 100 patents and patents pending that are intended to collectively address some of the world’s most pressing environmental and sustainable product-related challenges. A serial entrepreneur, he has been named a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum in 2016, while SIGNa was recognized with the EPA’s Presidential Green Chemistry Award under his leadership. Michael earned a Master of Philosophy and Master of Science in Chemistry from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.