OMV and ADNOC Reveal Executive Leadership Team for Borouge Group International AG
OMV and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company have officially unveiled the executive leadership team and Supervisory Board for Borouge Group International AG, the new global polyolefins company that will be created through the integration of major petrochemical assets. The new entity will combine the companies’ shareholdings in Borouge Plc and Borealis, followed by the acquisition of NOVA Chemicals.
This announcement marks a significant milestone in the process of building a large international polyolefins platform. The newly formed company is designed to strengthen the partners’ position in the global chemicals and plastics market while creating a resilient business capable of generating long-term value for shareholders. The transaction is progressing as planned and is expected to be completed before the end of March 2026.
The executive leadership team announced today brings together decades of international experience across the chemicals, refining, and commodities sectors. These leaders also possess deep operational and commercial expertise related to the businesses that will form Borouge Group International AG. Once the transaction closes, the team will immediately assume responsibility for leading the new organization and integrating its operations.
As part of the leadership structure, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC and Executive Chairman of XRG, will serve as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Borouge Group International AG. His appointment highlights the strategic importance of the new company for ADNOC and its global growth ambitions in advanced materials and petrochemicals.
Commenting on the leadership announcement, Al Jaber stated that Borouge Group International is positioned to become a powerful global industry leader capable of driving the next phase of industrial development while generating sustainable returns for investors. He emphasized that the newly appointed leadership team reflects the companies’ ambition to create a world-class organization with strong capabilities in advanced technologies, innovation, and global market development. According to him, the team’s combined expertise will help deliver essential materials required by industries and communities around the world.
The company’s executive leadership will be headed by Roger Kearns, who has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Borouge Group International AG. Kearns currently serves as President and CEO of NOVA Chemicals and brings more than four decades of global experience in the chemical industry. Throughout his career, he has successfully led major corporate transformations, established international joint ventures, and managed complex transactions across global markets.
During his tenure at NOVA Chemicals, Kearns oversaw several major growth initiatives, including the construction and commissioning of new production facilities. He also played a key role in strengthening the company’s presence in the recycled polyethylene market, reflecting the growing importance of circular economy initiatives in the plastics sector. Earlier in his career, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Westlake Corporation and held operational and investment roles at Solvay across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Kearns holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Speaking about his appointment, Kearns said Borouge Group International has been designed with resilience at its core. By combining scale, operational strength, innovation, and a broad international footprint, the company aims to deliver consistent performance across economic cycles. He added that from the first day of operations, the leadership team will prioritize business continuity for customers, confidence for investors, and disciplined execution across all activities. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration among employees from all the participating organizations in building momentum for the new enterprise.
Another key member of the executive team is Stefan Doboczky, who will take on the role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Doboczky currently serves as CEO of Borealis and has guided the company through a challenging period marked by volatility in global energy prices and shifting market conditions. Under his leadership, Borealis has focused on strengthening competitiveness while advancing innovation in materials and sustainability.
Doboczky has more than three decades of international leadership experience in the chemicals sector, including over ten years as CEO and board member of several publicly listed companies and private equity-backed businesses. He holds a doctorate in chemistry from the Technical University of Vienna and an MBA from IMD Business School.
The operational leadership of the new company will be overseen by Hasan Karam, who has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO). Karam currently serves as COO of Borouge Plc and has nearly 30 years of experience in refining and petrochemical operations. Throughout his career, he has held several senior positions within ADNOC’s refining and petrochemical divisions.
At Borouge, Karam has led efforts to enhance operational performance at what is considered the world’s largest integrated single-site polyolefin complex. Under his leadership, the company achieved record production levels and utilization rates that exceeded nameplate capacity. He has also been instrumental in driving efficiency improvements across the company’s assets through the adoption of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics.
Karam holds a PhD in Strategic Project Management from SKEMA Business School, along with an Executive MBA from Zayed University and a master’s degree in organizational development and leadership from the Abu Dhabi School of Management.
In the financial leadership role, Daniel Turnheim will serve as interim Chief Financial Officer of Borouge Group International AG. Turnheim currently holds the CFO position at Borealis and will manage financial operations for the new company during the transition period. The partners expect to appoint a permanent CFO by May 2026.
Alongside the executive leadership team, OMV and ADNOC have also announced the members of the Supervisory Board, which will oversee the strategic direction and governance of the company. OMV has nominated several representatives, including Alfred Stern, Reinhard Florey, Martijn van Koten, Edith Hlawati, and Georg Knill.
ADNOC has nominated its own representatives to the board, including Chairman Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, as well as Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Fatema Al Nuaimi, Rainer Seele, and Klaus Froehlich.
During the transition period leading up to the formation of Borouge Group International AG, Borouge Plc will remain listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. This listing will continue until the planned tender offer that will allow Borouge Plc shareholders to convert their shares into shares of the newly formed Borouge Group International AG.
As part of this transitional arrangement, Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi will continue serving as CEO of Borouge Plc, while Jan-Martin Nufer will remain in his role as Chief Financial Officer. Roland Janssen will also continue as Chief Marketing Officer. Meanwhile, Hasan Karam will maintain his responsibilities as Chief Operating Officer of Borouge Plc alongside his future role in the new company.
The creation of Borouge Group International AG represents a major strategic step for both OMV and ADNOC as they seek to expand their presence in the global polyolefins market. By combining complementary assets and expertise, the new company will operate one of the most geographically diversified production platforms in the industry.
With manufacturing facilities across three continents and a global customer base, Borouge Group International AG is expected to become a major supplier of advanced polyolefin materials used in industries such as packaging, construction, mobility, and healthcare. The company will also benefit from strong long-term shareholders and a robust financial structure, enabling it to navigate market cycles while pursuing growth opportunities.
Overall, the formation of Borouge Group International AG signals a major step forward in the evolution of the global petrochemical industry. By integrating established businesses with strong operational performance and combining them under experienced leadership, OMV and ADNOC aim to build a resilient global enterprise capable of delivering innovation, sustainability, and long-term value to customers and investors worldwide.
Source Link: https://www.omv.com/
