LyondellBasell CEO Peter Vanacker has been named the recipient of the Chemical Marketing & Economics, Inc. (CME) STEM Leadership Award for Corporate Reinvention.

 

The accolade recognizes his leadership in transforming one of the world’s largest chemical companies through strategic change, portfolio evolution and sustainable innovation.

 

Vanacker will receive the honor on Dec. 11, 2026, in New York City. The award ceremony will also recognize two other distinguished leaders: Omar Yaghi, 2025 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, who will receive the award for Extraordinary Fundamental Research, and Ann Ziff, Chairman of the Metropolitan Opera Board, who will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

LyondellBasell is a global leader in the chemical industry, driven by its purpose of creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. The company is among the world’s largest producers of polymers and a leading force in polyolefin technologies.

 

"Peter Vanacker exemplifies corporate reinvention at the highest level, demonstrating how disciplined strategy and visionary leadership can reshape an entire enterprise,” said CME Co-Chair Shah Karim. 

 

“Through initiatives focused on value enhancement, portfolio optimization and bold expansion of circular solutions, he has positioned the company for enduring value creation and industry leadership,” added CME Co-Chair and Legal Counsel Ksenia Takhistova. 

 

"He champions the essential connection between science, engineering, and sustainable growth – recognizing that transformative leaders accelerate the breakthroughs our world depends on,” said STEM Leadership Awards founder and ACS Fellow George Rodriguez.

 

Vanacker said the recognition reflects the company’s continued drive to adapt, innovate and build for the future.

 

"Reinvention is about building a company that can create value through change,” said LYB CEO Peter Vanacker. 

 

“At LYB, we continue to strengthen our portfolio, advance circular and low-carbon solutions at the right pace, and develop the capabilities and STEM talent pipeline needed to shape the future of our industry. I am honored by this recognition from CME and grateful to the LYB teams whose resilience and commitment make our progress possible.”