GCAV 2026 Day 1

Register Now

Back to Agenda

Session Details

GCAV 2026 Day 1

Tuesday, May 5
Expand All Topics Close All Topics
Pick up your name badge and meet your fellow attendees as the 10th Annual GCAV 2026 opens!
Nick Kovics, Vice President, Global Chemical Research Lead & Inorganic Chemicals Team Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Session 1: Global Outlook – Economy, Energy &  Geopolitics

Luka Powell, Principal Analyst, Energy Insights, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
The turmoil caused by the various geopolitical events in addition to growing supplies of hydrocarbon-based energy have forced nations to reassess how — and how long — the evolution from fossil fuels to renewables will play out. Further adding to this uncertainty is the stalling of EV adoption and a reduced collaboration on climate initiatives. Given these dynamics, there is growing confidence that traditional hydrocarbon-based fuels will still be a critical piece of the global energy mix. In essence, the world will still need oil, but the real questions are how much and can the transition accelerate in the current environment. Join us as we discuss the current and forward pace of change within the energy markets.
Matthew Thoelke, Senior Vice President & Global Chemicals Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
The global ethylene market is experiencing the greatest oversupply in its history, with no sign of additional supply slowing the industry is striving to alleviate the excess. The flood of volume has resulted in unprecedented damage to markets and for any hope of recovery in the next decade, a change of direction will be required. The form and scale of that change will be critical.
Moderated by Nick Kovics, Vice President, Global Chemical Research Lead & Inorganic Chemicals Team Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Ask your questions to the panel of session presenters to delve deeper into the subject matter.

Esin Çinar, Sustainability Director, Aygaz
Ramazan Aslan, Director, Life Climate

Moderator: Humberto J. Rocha, Associate Director of Climate and Carbon Markets, OPIS, a Dow Jones Company
Türkiye is a country of high importance regarding carbon market developments providing a targeted opportunity for CMA, McCloskey, and OPIS to offer carbon-related services to Turkish businesses. The Turkish government legislated the creation of a carbon market in 2025 that is slated to cover installations that emit more than 50,000 mt of carbon dioxide a year and Türkiye is a country that’s susceptible to CBAM, the EU’s carbon border tariff. As we enhance our carbon services and offerings (CBAM Calculator, EUA forecasting, policy coverage), Türkiye is a high priority market for us to break into at a time when businesses in the country are preparing for carbon regulation.

Connect and engage with industry peers, sessions resume at 11:00.  

Session 2: Market Drivers

 Eddie Kok, Executive Director, Global Vinyls, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS 
Didi Bostock, Consultant, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence
This presentation will examine the global and regional battery markets, specifically evaluating the outlook for EV battery demand, BESS and other end used segments. It will also provide an overview of battery and cathode technologies as well as the global and regional dynamics of new technologies entering the battery market. And finally there will also be an overview of the battery recycling market and its outlook.
Joe McCabe, President & CEO, AutoForecast Solutions LLC
The automotive sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation marked by heightened uncertainty and accelerating disruption. Competitive pressure from new entrants, evolving consumer sentiment, and geopolitical complexity are forcing rapid, high‑stakes decisions across the industry. This session explores critical issues shaping the decade ahead—including manufacturing location strategy, powertrain mix, tariffs, supply‑chain viability, and value creation—while providing a forward‑looking assessment of global vehicle markets, operational risks, and strategic opportunities.
Craig Murphy, PhD, Associate Director, Global Bleaching, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
This is an examination of the relationship between construction activity and demand for caustic soda and chlorine, with a focus on how shifts in global construction markets influence chemical consumption. It outlines the key end uses linking construction to chlor-alkali demand, including PVC, alumina, and water treatment, and assesses how regional differences in residential, commercial, and infrastructure investment shape demand patterns. The analysis combines a review of current construction trends with a forward-looking assessment of global market conditions, highlighting the implications for caustic and chlorine demand.
Moderated by Eddie Kok, Executive Director, Global Vinyls, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Ask your questions to the panel of session presenters to delve deeper into the subject matter.
  Sessions resume at 14:00.

Session 3: Regional Overviews

Brian Newsome, Vice President, Global Chlor-alkali, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS 
Nick Kovics, Vice President, Global Chemical Research Lead & Inorganic Chemicals Team Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
The shale gas discovery fueled a petrochemical renaissance in North America, however the current PVC market landscape has become quite complex. This presentation dives not only into the cost structure of the North American vinyls industry, but digs deeper into other strategic factors that should help producers navigate the trough of the cycle.
Gordon Kuo, Director, APAC Vinyls and India Chlor-Alkali, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
India is increasingly central to the global Chlor-Vinyl trajectory, acting as a critical counterbalance to traditional supply hubs. As the Chinese market navigates a period of structural realignment and domestic softening, India’s massive infrastructure roadmap creates a new global demand anchor. This transition—driven by India’s expanding capacity and potential strategic trade positioning—suggests a pivot toward an India-led market phase, redefining supply chain dynamics for the coming decade.
Beatriz Lima, Associate Director, Latin America Chlor-alkali, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Latin America has emerged as a pivotal growth market for global caustic soda demand. However, the region’s reliance on external supply is deepening as a structural deficit intensifies, driven largely by recent domestic plant closures. While robust demand dynamics enhance the region’s market attractiveness, they are increasingly countered by geopolitical instability and the strategic risks of import dependency. This raises a question: can a favorable demand outlook sufficiently offset the volatility of an unstable geopolitical environment and a heavy reliance on foreign material?
Moderated by Brian Newsome, Vice President, Global Chlor-alkali, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Ask your questions to the panel of session presenters to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Connect and engage with industry peers, sessions resume at 16:05.  

Session 4: Spotlight on Europe

Nick Kovics, Vice President, Global Chemical Research Lead & Inorganic Chemicals Team Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS 
Angel Fernandez, Director, Chlor-alkali Research EMEA, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Rationalization has become a reality as the European chlor-alkali industry continues to combat high production costs, squeezed margins, and lower demand. As the loss of competitiveness in global markets remains the most challenging to overcome, what can drive demand recovery, and when will it occur? How will trade flows change with the reduction of domestic capacity? This presentation will answer these questions while exploring other developments that will shape the European chlor-alkali market in the coming years.
Henry Warren, Director, Chlorine and Vinyls EMEA, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
The European vinyls industry has been subject to immense pressures since 2022, which has culminated in some capacity closures. What is the outlook; are there alternatives to more rationalization? Will the industry remain competitive? What are the implications going forward for supply, sourcing options and profitability? This presentation will dive into these and other key issues facing the industry with the latest critical insights, as the industry searches for a path towards a sustainable future.
Moderated by Nick Kovics, Vice President, Global Chemical Research Lead & Inorganic Chemicals Team Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Ask your questions to the panel of session presenters to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Nick Kovics, Vice President, Global Chemical Research Lead & Inorganic Chemicals Team Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS 
Network with your fellow attendees, speakers and sponsors – a perfect end to the 1st day.
Session Speakers

Ramazan Aslan Founder & CEO Life Climate

Ramazan Aslan is an industrial engineer and the founder and Chief Executive of Life Climate (Life İklim ve Enerji), a leading climate and sustainability consultancy based in Ankara, Türkiye. With over 16 years of experience in voluntary carbon markets and trades, he has advised on emission reduction projects across multiple frameworks, including Gold Standard, VCS, and GCC standards, and has contributed to major capacity-building initiatives such as Worldbank’s PMR Programme for development of MRV and ETS for Türkiye. His expertise spans from supply chain emission management, agricultural decarbonisation with developing Türkiye’s first Soil Carbon Project, and industrial decarbonisation with RED III compliant bio-oil and circulat product certification.

Didi Bostock Consultant Benchmark Mineral Intelligence

Didi brings a wealth of experience from across all research departments at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, spanning downstream demand through to the midstream and mining sectors. He has advised on consulting projects worth millions of dollars for both government bodies and private companies, delivering expertise across strategic advisory and debt financing.

Esin Çınar Sustainability Director Aygaz

Esin Çınar is the Sustainability Director at Aygaz, where she established the company’s sustainability department from the ground up. She leads the strategic transition from fossil fuels to green energy, focusing on investments and preparing for CBAM requirements. Prior to this, she held a Commercial Operations Director role where she created the logistics brand Sendeo (an Aygaz and Koç Holding Company). Esin holds an EMBA from Koç University and completed executive programs at Stanford, Harvard, and Berkeley.

Angel Fernandez Director, Chlor-Alkali Research EMEA Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Angel Fernandez is the Director of EMEA Chlor-alkali Research at Chemical Market Analytics Angel Fernandez is the Director of EMEA Chlor-alkali Research at Chemical Market Analytics. Angel joined the Chemical Market Analytics team through the legacy IHS Markit Base chemicals team in 2021. During his time with the company, he has held various roles in the Inorganics value chain, including potassium hydroxide research and analysis and Global Service Leader for bleaching chemicals. Angel leads the EMEA chlor-alkali team and provides market coverage for European caustic soda in the Global Chlor-alkali Report and Chlor-alkali World Analysis. He works closely with clients in all regions to provide support and guidance on chlor-alkali chemicals. Angel has over 20 years of experience in trading, shipping, market research and analysis of the chemical industry. He started his career at BP Chemicals, followed by five years at Sojitz UK, where he was involved in the trading and shipping of aromatics, methanol and solvents. Before joining the IHS Markit Base Chemicals business (now known as Chemical Market Analytics), he spent 10 years researching and analyzing the oxo alcohols, plasticizers, and chlor-alkali markets at a market data provider. Angel holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry and International Relations. He is based out of the London office.

Eddie Kok Executive Director, Global Vinyls Service Lead Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Eddie Kok is the Executive Director of Global Vinyls Service Lead at Chemical Market Analytics Eddie Kok is the Executive Director and Global Service Leader for Chemical Market Analytics (CMA) Global Vinyls Market Advisory Service. During his time with the company, he has held various roles within the Inorganics value chain, including serving as Asia Lead for chlor-alkali and vinyls market coverage. With over 20 years of experience in the chemicals sector, Eddie is a crucial resource within the business for understanding and providing insight into the chlor-alkali and vinyl markets. Eddie currently focuses on vinyl markets, directing a team of research colleagues worldwide to monitor and understand market developments across the vinyl value chain and to provide CMA clients with insights and critical analytics that facilitate decision-making. Eddie also researches and analyzes Asian KOH markets and works closely with his global Chlor-alkali colleagues to provide an integrated view of the chlor-alkali and vinyls businesses. Before joining Chemical Market Analytics, Eddie held multiple roles with CCM, a chlor-alkali producer based in Malaysia. His responsibilities at CMM included product portfolio management, production planning and regional sales. Mr. Kok holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Campbell University, North Carolina, United States. He is currently based out of the Singapore office.

Nick Kovics Vice President, Global Chemical Research Lead & Inorganic Chemicals Team Lead Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Nick Kovics is the Vice President of the Global Inorganics team at Chemical Market Analytics. Nick Kovics serves in dual leadership roles at Chemical Market Analytics, where he is Vice President and Head of Chemical Research as well as the Inorganic Chemicals Team Lead. He brings over 25 years of global experience in the chemical industry to the organization. Nick was promoted to Head of Chemical Research in 2025 and now oversees the Plastics & Polymers, Aromatics & Fibers, Olefins, Inorganic Chemicals, and Syngas value chains. Prior to this role, he held several leadership positions within Chemical Market Analytics’ Inorganics practice, including responsibility for the Chlor-alkali, Bleaching Chemicals, and Battery Materials advisory services. Before joining Chemical Market Analytics, Nick held various technical, commercial, and financial roles across the broader chemical and energy sectors. He began his career as a Process engineer in the chlor-alkali sector at Canadian Occidental, then moved into the energy industry with Schlumberger Canada as a field engineer in cementing and hydraulic fracturing Services. He later transitioned into the emerging hydrogen fuel cell sector, spending a decade in technical, commercial, and corporate finance roles. Nick subsequently returned to the Electrochemical industry with Canexus (now Chemtrade Logistics), where he held commercial leadership positions in chlor-alkali and sodium chlorate marketing. Originally from Canada, Nick holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of British Columbia and an MBA from Simon Fraser University. He is both a Canadian Professional Engineer and a Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant. Nick has lived in Houston, Texas, since joining Chemical Market Analytics in 2017.

Gordon Kuo Director, APAC Vinyls and India Chlor-Alkali Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Gordon Kuo is the Associate Director of Asia and India Subcontinent Vinyls at Chemical Market Analytics. Gordon Kuo is the Associate Director of Vinyl Research for Asia and the Indian Subcontinent at Chemical Market Analytics. He specializes in the polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), and ethylene dichloride (EDC) markets in Asia and the Indian subcontinent. He has over 12 years of experience and an in-depth understanding of the vinyls industry. Within the Asia region, Gordon works closely with chlor-alkali and vinyls industry participants. He provides regional market coverage for Asia and the Indian subcontinent in the Global Vinyls Report. Gordon has in-depth experience and understanding of Asian EDC and VCM trade dynamics and provides strategy analyses for regional vinyls market participants. Additionally, he has experience researching Asian sodium chlorate and hydrogen peroxide while supporting the Global Bleaching Report. Before joining Chemical Market Analytics, Gordon held multiple roles in USI Group in Taiwan, including salt, ethylene, EDC procurement, VCM sales, VCM and PVC production and operation management, marketing and cost analysis, and integrated vinyls business strategy development. Mr. Kuo holds a Master’s in Chemical Engineering from the National Taiwan University, China. He joined Chemical Market Analytics in 2019 and is currently based out of the Singapore office.

Beatriz Lima Associate Director, South American Chlor-alkali Markets Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Beatriz Lima is the Associate Director for the South American Chlor-alkali and Bleaching Chemicals markets. With over six years of experience in market intelligence and research in the petrochemical industry, she has held both LATAM and global roles at Dow Chemical. Her experience involved cross-market responsibilities, including the analysis of market trends, and social, economic, and political drivers across various segments such as plastics & packaging, personal & home care, coatings & construction, and industrial solutions. Ms. Lima currently focuses on the South American region, conducting market discovery, research, analysis, and reporting on the chlorine and caustic soda markets within the chlor-alkali chemicals sector. In addition, she covers hydrogen peroxide and sodium chlorate within the bleaching chemicals segment. She works closely with clients across the region and the financial sector, providing support and guidance on the chemical industry value chain. Beatriz holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of São Paulo and joined Chemical Market Analytics in 2025, expanding the specialist’s presence in South America as a Brazilian citizen based in São Paulo.

Joe McCabe President & CEO AutoForecast Solutions LLC (AFS)

As President and CEO of AutoForecast Solutions LLC (AFS), Joe leverages his decades of industry experience and knowledge to provide production forecasting and advisory services to the global automotive community. Joe manages the automotive turnkey operations at AFS including the global light vehicle, powertrain, drivetrain, and alternative propulsion forecast as well as a suite of AFS proprietary opportunity and sales planning software. AFS supports all tiered suppliers, VMs, government agencies, financial institutions, and the academic community with data, planning solutions, and a personalized support to help identify new business opportunities while mitigating risk. Joe’s three-decade career in automotive forecasting ranges from his tenure at AutoFacts, PwC, AutomotiveCompass, and now as founder of AutoForecast Solutions LLC (AFS). Joe earned his Bachelors of Chemical Engineering degree at Villanova University and an MBA at Pennsylvania State University.

Craig Murphy, PhD Director, Global Bleaching Chemicals Service Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Dr. Craig Murphy is the Director of Global Bleaching Chemicals Service at Chemical Market Analytics.

Craig Murphy serves as the Global Service Lead for Bleaching Chemicals. With extensive experience in the chemistries of oil and gas development, pulp and paper, chlor-alkali, and advanced manufacturing, Craig is a pivotal resource within the business for managing and developing chemical market intelligence.

In addition to spearheading the global bleaching team, Craig also provides regional market coverage for hydrochloric acid, and pulp and paper. With global responsibilities, he collaborates closely with clients across all regions as well as the financial sector to offer support and guidance on the inorganics chain.

Craig brings expertise across various industries and markets. He previously served as a technical expert in chlor-alkali applications for oil and gas at Canexus Corporation, helping clients succeed in the O&G industry. He honed his oil and gas proficiency while developing hydraulic fracturing fluid systems for the global service provider Calfrac Well Services. As the Director of Product Development at Cascades, Craig played a key role in developing new products for vinyl construction materials.

Dr. Murphy holds a PhD in Chemistry from McGill University, where he conducted research on oxidative processes in the pulp and paper industry. Later, he earned an MBA from the University of Calgary, focusing on logistics and supply chain management.

Brian Newsome Vice President, Global Chlor-alkali Advisory Service Lead Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Brian Newsome is the Vice President of the Global Chlor-alkali advisory service at Chemical Market Analytics (CMA) Prior to joining Chemical Market Analytics, Brian served in several roles at Westlake Corporation, including as Director of Strategy, Business Manager for Chlorine and Chlorine Derivatives, and Market Manager for Calcium Hypochlorite. He has also worked in commercial and technical roles at Kureha Corporation (Japan), Motorola Semiconductor, and ExxonMobil LNG. Brian has over 17 years of chemical industry experience, including over 13 years of global chlor-alkali and vinyl's industries experience in marketing, sales and business line management roles. He received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

Luka Powell Principal Analyst, Energy Insights Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Luka Powell is the Principal Analyst of Energy Insights at Chemical Market Analytics. Luka is a senior research analyst for Energy Insights & Feedstocks, based in London. In this role, Luka contributes to developing energy market content to help Chemical Market Analytics clients navigate the complexities of the oil, gas & natural gas liquids markets. Luka is also a producer and co-host of the North America Light Olefins Weekly Podcast. Previously, Luka was responsible for managing and publishing the Chemicals Advisory Service (CAS), a product designed to primarily meet the needs of the Buy-side investment community, utilizing the in-depth market knowledge and analysis from the chemicals franchise. While currently in London, U.K., Luka has lived in Bahrain, Australia and the UAE. Before joining the IHS Markit Base chemical business (now known as Chemical Market Analytics) in 2019, Luka graduated from King’s College London with a BA (First Class Hons) in International Relations, specializing in the Middle East.

Humberto J. Rocha Associate Director of Climate and Carbon Markets OPIS a Dow Jones Company

Humberto J. Rocha is the Associate Director of Climate and Carbon Markets based in London, focusing on the carbon compliance markets in the European Union and the United Kingdom and the growing voluntary biodiversity credit market. A journalist with nearly a decade of experience, Humberto primarily focuses on covering the dynamics of the compliance carbon markets in Europe. He covers daily and weekly price assessments, conducts webinars and writes features ranging from the gulf between the U.K. and EU carbon prices and the potential linkage between these two carbon markets. Additionally, he covers policy developments and pricing trends in the voluntary biodiversity credit market from projects around the world. Humberto joined OPIS in the summer of 2022 after covering energy policy and federal and state legal cases in the United States for Law360 at the news agency's Houston and London offices. He has also worked in international outlets including Japan's The Yomiuri Shimbun, local news at Hearst Connecticut Media, and Forbes. Humberto speaks fluent Spanish and French and has a bachelor's degree in Social Studies with a focus on Latin America from Harvard University and a master's degree in Latin American studies from the University of Oxford.

Matthew Thoelke Vice President, EMEA Olefins Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Matthew Thoelke is the Vice President for Olefins and Derivatives in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Chemical Market Analytics. Matthew Thoelke is the vice president of the olefins and derivatives team in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Chemical Market Analytics. During his time with the company, he has taken a wide variety of roles across a broad range of product areas. With over 25 years of experience, Matthew is a key resource within the business for understanding and insight into the olefins sector of the petrochemical industry. Within the EMEA region, he works closely with the petrochemical, oil and financial industries, bringing support and guidance throughout the petrochemical chain. His current area of focus includes oversight of the ‘Europe and the Middle East Olefins Report’ and primary input and insight for the ‘World Ethylene and Propylene Analyses.’ His prior experience includes coverage of butadiene and elastomers, for which he remains a globally recognized industry speaker and expert. Whilst in this role, Mathew was responsible for the ‘Global Outlook — Feedstocks, Elastomers Report’ and the ‘World Butadiene Analysis’ and took the lead role in analyzing olefin and derivative markets in support of the long-term planning outlooks in the World Analysis. Mr. Thoelke has both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Materials Science from Cambridge University, as well as a Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering (ACDMM).

Henry Warren Director, EMEA Vinyls and Middle East Caustic Soda Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Henry Warren is the Director of EMEA Vinyls and Middle East Caustic Soda at Chemical Market Analytics. Henry Warren is an integral Global Vinyls and Chlor-alkali Market Advisory Service member. Since joining the company in 2001, he has focused on vinyls, from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) through its precursors - ethylene dichloride (EDC) and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). Since early 2024, he also assumed responsibility for caustic soda in the Middle East. During his time at the company, he has held various additional positions, including responsibility for chlorine, hydrochloric acid, chlorinated solvents, TiO2 and caustic potash. Along with the stakeholder relationships he has built over several decades, his in-depth understanding of the industry contributes to the unparalleled insight that Chemical Market Analytics brings to the vinyls and chlor-alkali sector. Henry provides coverage, analysis and insight into the vinyls value chain in EMEA and caustic soda in the Middle East in the Global Vinyls and Chlor-alkali Reports, respectively. He is also a key contributor to our Vinyls and Chlor-alkali World Analysis services. With a regional and global perspective, he works closely with clients across regions to provide support in relevant areas of the vinyls and chlor-alkali industries. He entered the field of chemical market analysis in 1996, analyzing feedstocks and several polyolefin value chains in Europe, North America and Latin America. Mr Warren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Humberside, UK. He is a native English speaker, fluent in Spanish, proficient in French and resides near Oxford, UK.
TALK TO AN EXPERT

Talk To An Expert

These offers include recommended content or information on upcoming events. I can unsubscribe at any time.*