Stepan Company Welcomes Corning Painter as New Director
On June 9, 2025, Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL) made headlines with the announcement of Corning Painter's appointment as a director. This decision, effective immediately, reflects the company's commitment to strengthening its leadership team with seasoned professionals.
Corning Painter is not new to the scene. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Orion S.A., a prominent player in the global chemical manufacturing sector. He has held this position for nearly seven years, since September 2018. Before his tenure at Orion, Painter was with Air Products and Chemicals, where he carved out a significant career, culminating in his role as Executive Vice President for Industrial Gases. His journey with Air Products began in 1984, highlighting his extensive experience in the industry.
Mr. Painter is also a Certified Professional Engineer and possesses a degree in chemical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. This background aligns perfectly with Stepan's operations, as the company’s primary focus is on specialty and intermediate chemicals used in a plethora of industries.
In a statement regarding Painter's addition to the board, F. Quinn Stepan, Jr., the Chairman of the Board, expressed enthusiasm: "Corning brings extensive leadership and chemical industry experience to our Board of Directors. We are pleased to add Corning's strategic and operational expertise, and we look forward to benefiting from his insights." This sentiment underscores the significance that Stepan places on having a diverse and knowledgeable board to guide its strategic initiatives.
Based in Northbrook, Illinois, Stepan Company is recognized as a major manufacturer of specialty chemicals, especially surfactants, which are vital components in cleaning and disinfection products, as well as agricultural and oilfield applications. The company's global reach is facilitated through a network of production facilities across North and South America, Europe, and Asia, further solidifying its presence in the chemical manufacturing landscape.
Stepan's product portfolio places it at the forefront of the industry. The company leads in the production of surfactants and is a key supplier of polyurethane polyols, which support the growing market for thermal insulation solutions. Additionally, Stepan's expertise extends to the coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers (CASE) sectors.
With the recent appointment, stakeholders are keenly watching how Corning Painter’s extensive background and leadership might influence Stepan’s strategic direction and operational efficiencies. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol SCL on the New York Stock Exchange, and it continues to be an attractive option for investors seeking innovation and growth in the specialty chemicals market.
For detailed information about Stepan Company and its initiatives, visit their official website at
www.stepan.com.