Since joining LANXESS AG, Frederique van Baarle has held various leadership positions at the global specialty chemical company, a spin-off of Bayer. But none has been as exciting as her new role as president and CEO of LANXESS Corp., the company’s North America-based entity, which accounts for about $2.4 billion of the company’s 2023 global sales of EUR 6.7 billion.

By relocating from the company’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany, to the headquarters of the Americas region in Pittsburgh, van Baarle’s momentous move marks the first time in LANXESS history that a board member has been based outside of Germany, showcasing the important role that North America plays in the company’s global growth strategy.

This cover story for Smart Business Pittsburgh explores how van Baarle is leading this crucial transition to strengthen the LANXESS footprint in North America and achieve the company’s aggressive goals.

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