Novonor Nominee to Lead Braskem Amid Industry Challenges

Braskem SA, Brazil’s largest petrochemical company, announced a significant leadership change on November 4, 2024. Roberto Prisco Paraiso Ramos will succeed Roberto Bischoff as CEO, effective November 30, 2024.

Novonor, Braskem’s controlling shareholder, nominated Ramos for the position. The board of directors will formally review this nomination.

Ramos brings a wealth of experience to the role, holding a degree in mechanical engineering from UFRJ with specialized training in business management from Harvard Business School.

He is also pursuing a master’s degree in finance from the University of Leicester. Ramos’ background in the industry is extensive.

He previously served as Braskem’s vice president from 2002 to 2010, leading strategic projects such as the Ethylene XXI Project in Mexico.

His experience extends beyond Braskem, having served as CEO of Ocyan, an oil and gas company, for five years. Under Bischoff’s two-year tenure, Braskem navigated a challenging low cycle in the industry.

Leadership Change at Braskem

Despite this, the company achieved significant milestones, including partnerships and operational advancements in the petrochemical sector.

Notable achievements include forming a partnership with SCG Chemicals in Thailand, expanding the green ethene plant in Brazil, and making substantial progress on the Ethane Reception Terminal in Mexico (TQPM).

The leadership change comes at a crucial time for Braskem as it faces ongoing challenges in the global petrochemical market.

The company must address issues such as economic uncertainties, oversupply problems, and the aftermath of a geological event in Alagoas related to its salt mining activities.

As Ramos prepares to take the helm, he will be tasked with steering Braskem through these challenges while capitalizing on growth opportunities in the evolving petrochemical industry.

His extensive experience and previous tenure at Braskem may prove valuable in this endeavor. The coming months will be crucial in determining the impact of this leadership change on Braskem’s future trajectory.

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