Effective from 1 January 2020, Dr. Haakan Jonsson, current president of Covestro LLC, will also take over as chairman of the board of directors. In this role, he will succeed Jerry MacCleary, who announced his plans to retire at the end of 2019.
Jonsson joined Covestro in 1992 as a scientist, working at the company’s North American headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. According to the company, his strong technical background and passion for innovation paved the way for a diverse career, spanning both commercial and production operations.
Jonsson has held leadership roles in manufacturing, innovation, supply chain and business development – opportunities that have taken him throughout the USA and around the globe. In 2017, his career came full circle when he returned to Pittsburgh to take on his current position as president.
“Just as Pittsburgh is ‘home,’ my Covestro colleagues are my family – so I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to take on a greater leadership role here in the U.S.,” said Jonsson. “We have everything we need to be successful – a vibrant culture shaped by a diverse, innovative team; a passion for developing sustainable solutions; and a long tradition of industry and community engagement. I’m looking forward to building on all of these as we work toward a brighter future together.”
Over the years, Jonsson has served as a member of several industry and company boards, including the Institute of Polymer Processing, PlasticsEurope Germany and Paltough Industries Ltd. in Israel. Currently, he serves on the board for Variety the Children’s Charity of Pittsburgh.
Jonsson holds a Master of Science in chemical engineering and a Ph.D. in polymer technology, both from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden.
“It has been an honour and a privilege leading the US organisation, and saying goodbye won’t be easy,” said MacCleary. “But I take comfort in knowing that this team will continue building from a strong foundation, guided by Haakan’s capable leadership.”