Speakers | Global Chlor-Alkali & Vinyls Conference 2024

Dewey Johnson Senior Vice President, Global Head of Chemical Market Analytics Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Dewey Johnson is Senior Vice President & Global Lead of Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS, a Dow Jones Company (“Chemical Market Analytics”).

IHS Markit Global LLC (“IHS Markit”) was acquired by S&P Global in February 2022. As part of the merger, IHS Markit Base Chemicals was spun off and separately acquired by Dow Jones and renamed “Chemical Market Analytics” in June 2022.
Dewey is responsible for the global business, including insight and research covering the major chemical value chains including Aromatics and Fibers, Olefins and Derivatives, Inorganics (chlor-alkali, vinyls, and soda ash), Plastics and Polymers, and Syngas Chemicals (methanol, acetyls, and ammonia). Dewey is based in Houston.

Prior to Chemical Market Analytics, Dewey joined IHS Markit (through legacy CMAI) in 2009. His experience in the petrochemical industry covers all aspects of the business- financial, commercial, operations, research, strategy design and business planning, business development, as well as consultancy. Prior to IHS Markit, he was with Eastman Chemical Company, where he spent more than 25 years in strategic and commercial roles with various business groups and corporate functions. Dewey held management positions in commercial development, global sourcing, P&L for key businesses, market development, and market & strategic analysis of chemical markets and businesses. Dewey has led multiple complex engagements in strategy development and execution, global sourcing of Aromatics & olefins derivatives and industrial gases, business simulation & game theory and dynamic modeling, sales/ marketing, and business development. Dewey received BS and MS engineering degrees from Tennessee Technological University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He also earned an MBA in General Management. Dewey has been a frequent guest lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management, UVA Darden School of Management, and SUNY at Albany School of Public Policy.

Andy Farida Base Metals Research Analyst Fastmarkets

Andy Farida joined Fastmarkets’ base and precious metals research team in 2016 as an analyst. He now specializes in aluminium supply, demand and price dynamics. As well as doing fundamental and macroeconomic analysis, Andy is an avid user of technical analysis to study and forecast price action which he often shares in his reports. In addition, you can find Andy’s work on LinkedIn with a quirky but rather well-known tag of ‘Charts That Make You Go Hmm…’. He often presents his research at conferences on behalf of Fastmarkets, but in his free time he enjoys cooking and solving puzzles with his two little boys.

Detlef Sagner Chlor-Alkali Manager NWE Tricon Energy Ltd.

Mr. Detlef Sagner is a Senior Trader in Tricon Energy Ltd., for their Chlor-alkali business and his primary role is the Caustic and EDC trade, specializing in West Europe region. He is based out of their Germany office in Cologne. He is married to Marlies and has three kids.

Tricon Energy Limited, is a USA based trading and distribution company in petrochemicals, polymers, fuels and dry bulk, serving > 4500 customers, sourcing from > 400 suppliers. The Tricon Group has operations in more than 20 countries and a global presence in over 120 countries, trading in excess of 16 million MT and over US$10 Billion in revenues.

Detlef went through a commercial/chemical education program in Bayer AG Germany. He was also deputed on an overseas assignment to Mexico to handle the sales and distribution in the USA/Mexico region before coming back to Germany as the Export Head of former Bayer Caustic business, now Covestro.

Detlef joined Tricon Energy in early 2011 and has more than 30 years of Global experience in the Product management, distribution and trading of Chlor/Alkali products, having worked for German major, Bayer AG for 13 years and then subsequently working as a Business Manager and Global trader for Caustic Soda and EDC.

Gabriel Fernandez-Azzato International Business Director TTOBMA

Gabriel Fernandez-Azzato joined TTOBMA as International Business Director in April 2021, leading its commercial processes and having a key role in developing TTOBMA’s view on the pulp market. He is based in Montevideo, Uruguay. He has almost 15 years of international experience in the pulp business, mainly in sales and commercial areas as part of multinational companies (Tetra Pak and GP Cellulose).

Pieter Smeets Head of Sustainability Ineos Invoyn

Pieter Smeets is the head of Sustainability at INEOS Invoyn, where he is responsible for the sustainability strategy that centers around 4 pillars; responsible production, carbon neutrality, circular economy and Value to Society. In addition, Pieter is responsible for the ESG disclosures of INEOS Inovyn.

Pieter is a chemical engineer bio training, and after a PhD in heterogenous catalysis at the K.U.Leuven in Belgium, Pieter started his career in the petrochemical industry in SABIC as part of the R&D department. Since 2015, Pieter has been active in the sustainability field, and was closely involved in developing carbon neutrality and circularity roadmaps.

Jan Hesterkamp Global Business Development Director - Specialty Resins Orbia Polymer Solutions (Vestolit)

Jan started in 2008 at Vestolit in a customer service position and went through different positions concerning sales and operations planning. He started in business development in October 2021, handling the market segments of technical coatings and specialties. Today he is responsible for the global business development department of the business unit specialty resins at Orbia. He has commercial responsibility for the non-fossil PVC project in Vestolit. Jan received a B.A. in Business Administration with a M.Sc. in Sales Management.

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 25+ year 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.

Ana Lopez Director, Americas Vinyls Research Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Ana Lopez is the Director of Americas Vinyls Research at Chemical Market Analytics.

Since 2012, Mrs. Lopez has formed part of the inorganics team at IHS Markit Base Chemicals business (now known as Chemical Market Analytics), specializing her analysis on the vinyls markets in North America and South America, as well as the chlorine and hydrochloric acid markets in the US.  Recently, she started covering the global sodium sulfate market.  She contributes to the monthly reports on those topics. She has presented several times at the Global Chlor-Alkali & Vinyls Conference, Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association meetings, Vinyls Compounders Conference and Global Plastics Summit. She has an intimate knowledge of engineering project execution and petrochemical commodities markets.

Before joining Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS, Mrs. Lopez spent several years with Pemex International Trading Company (PMI) in Mexico City, dealing with petrochemical commodities commercial operations as well as market analysis, preceded by a few years with the EPC company ICA Fluor Daniel. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the Iberoamericana University, Mexico City, and an MBA from Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico (ITAM), Mexico City.

Matthew Thoelke Vice President for Olefins and Derivatives in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa 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.

During his time with Chemical Market Analytics (formerly part of IHS Markit base chemicals business), and CMAI, Matthew took a variety of roles across a broad range of product areas. With over 20 years of experience, Matthew acts as the key resource within the business for understanding and insight into the olefins sector of the petrochemical industry, for these key regions, he works closely with the petrochemical, oil and financial industries, bringing support and guidance throughout the petrochemical chain. Current specific responsibilities include the European/Middle East Report Olefins and primary input and support for the World Ethylene and Propylene Analyses.

Previously within CMAI, Mr. Thoelke has worked in both olefins and aromatics consulting in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa with key responsibilities in olefins, but also in aromatics markets. His previous role had a primary focus on butadiene and elastomers, in which subjects he remains a globally recognized industry speaker and expert. His responsibilities included input to the Global Outlook – Feedstocks, Elastomers Report, European Market Report Aromatics, Aromatics Market Report, and taking the lead role in analyzing olefin and derivative markets in support of the long-term planning outlooks in the World Analysis.

Educated at Cambridge University Mr. Thoelke received a BA and MA in Material Sciences before completing a Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering (ACDMM).

Carlo Barrasa Vice President, Energy Insights Team Lead Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Carlo Barrasa is the Vice President of Energy Insights at Chemical Market Analytics

In this role, Carlo stewards the development of energy market content to help Chemical Market Analytics’ clients navigate the complexities of the oil, gas & natural gas liquids markets. Previously, Carlo led the North American Light Olefins service, which provides clients with valuable insights into the regional market dynamics of cracker feedstocks, ethylene, and propylene.

Before joining Chemical Market Analytics, Carlo was a Senior Strategy Advisor at Anadarko Petroleum, where he was responsible for guiding the company’s market strategy for its natural gas liquids business. After beginning his career in various downstream and chemical roles with ExxonMobil, Carlo held senior consulting and research positions at IHS Markit legacy companies PFC Energy and CMAI.

Tobias Spyra Director, EMEA Styrenics & Polyurethane Feedstocks Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Tobias Spyra is the Director for EMEA Styrenics & Polyurethane Feedstocks at Chemical Market Analytics.

Mr. Spyra joined the European aromatics and fibers team in 2016 and his current role in Chemical Market Analytics is as Director of Styrenics and Polyurethane Feedstocks in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa region. As a key resource within Chemical Market Analytics for understanding and providing insight into the Aromatics sector of the petrochemical industry, he works closely with the petrochemical, oil, and financial industries. He specializes in cumene, phenol, acetone, AMS, BPA, solvents, styrene monomer, and its derivatives as well as the in the isocyanates, polyether, and polyester polyols markets.

Prior to joining Chemical Market Analytics, he worked in the chemical and petrochemical industries in various Sales, Marketing, and Global Business Management roles at Ineos, Innovene, and BP. Fluent in English, Spanish, and German.

Hazel Kreuz Vice President, Global Inorganics Chemical Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Hazel Kreuz serves as the Vice President of Global Inorganic Chemicals at Chemical Market Analytics, which includes Chlor-alkali chemicals, Vinyls, Bleaching Chemicals, and Soda Ash.

Ms. Kreuz brings four decades of chemical industry experience to the Chemical Market Analytics Inorganic chemicals insights team. She joined the IHS Markit base chemicals business (now known as Chemical Market Analytics) in 2016 as Chlor-alkali Chemicals Global Service Lead. Ms. Kreuz was promoted to her current role leading the Global Inorganic chemicals insights team in April 2019. She leads twenty analysts that analyze, forecast, and report on chlor-alkali chemicals, vinyls, bleaching chemicals, and soda ash from five global locations.
Ms. Kreuz has a background in petrochemicals and inorganic chemicals; she held a range of functional roles in several companies prior to joining Chemical Market Analytics. Hazel began her career in ethylene oxide and glycols manufacturing with Union Carbide Corporation; she also held ethylene oxide derivatives, HS&E, risk analysis, financial analysis, and marketing management positions with Union Carbide. She was a recipient of Union Carbide Corporation’s prestigious Chairman’s Award for the development of the Corporations’ Episodic Risk Management System, which Arthur D. Little praised as “elegant and sophisticated”.

Hazel moved to the inorganic chemicals world joining Canadian Occidental, which subsequently became Nexen Petroleum, and then Canexus, where she held management positions in chlor-alkali chemicals and sodium chlorate marketing, strategic planning, and investor relations. She returned to the US chemical market, joining Huntsman Corporation and serving as global marketing manager for mining chemicals, pulp & paper chemicals, and water treatment chemicals in the Performance Products division.
Hazel holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and an MBA.

Nick Kovics Vice President, Global Chlor-Alkali Service Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Nick Kovics is the Vice President of the Global Chlor-alkali Market Advisory Service team at Chemical Market Analytics.

Mr. Nick Kovics serves as Vice President leading the Global Chlor-alkali Market Advisory Service team and covering the US caustic soda market.
Mr. Kovics brings over 25 years of chemical industry experience to the inorganics chemicals insights team at Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS, a Dow Jones company. He joined the organization in 2017 as Global Bleaching Chemicals Global Service Lead. Nick then developed and led the Global Lithium & Battery Materials Service before being promoted to Chlor-alkali Chemicals Global Service Lead at the end of 2019.

Mr. Kovics has a varied background, working in upstream energy, new energy, and electrochemical industries. He held various functional roles in several companies before joining Chemical Market Analytics. Nick began his career in the oil service sector with Schlumberger Canada cementing and hydraulic fracturing services. Nick transitioned from oil and gas to new energy and spent a decade in the hydrogen fuel cell sector with Ballard Power Systems in Burnaby British Columbia. Nick’s career continued in the electrochemical sector when he joined Canexus and held positions in chlor-alkali chemicals and sodium chlorate marketing before joining Chemical Market Analytics.
Mr. Kovics holds a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering, an MBA, and a Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant.

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

Eddie Kok is the Executive Director of the Inorganics Group at Chemical Market Analytics

Eddie is globally responsible for the Vinyls Market Advisory Service. He has more than 20 years of experience in the chemical industry, holding broad responsibilities, including regional sales, marketing, business development, and product management. Eddie joined Chemical Market Associates, Inc. (CMAI) in 2004 as a consultant. Eddie is responsible for providing market coverage and analysis for Asia’s chlor-alkali and vinyls market. Eddie has a good grasp of the global chlor-alkali and vinyls sector dynamics and is the go-to person for data and market intelligence in Asia.

Before CMAI, at IHS Markit base chemicals business (now known as Chemical Market Analytics), Eddie broadened his responsibility and assumed the team leader role for the Vinyls Market Advisory Service. Over the years, he has worked on numerous chlor-alkali and vinyls projects around the Asia-Pacific region, providing analytical and planning support to clients.

Eddie holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Campbell University, North Carolina, United States.

Lina Suarez Director, North America Chlorine Research Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Lina Suarez is the Director of North America Chlorine Research at Chemical Market Analytics.

Lina provides market discovery, analysis, and reporting for caustic soda in North America and selects countries in Latin America. She joined the IHS Markit base chemicals business (now known as Chemical Market Analytics) in 2019 as part of the Inorganics Global Business Team. With extensive experience in the integrated Chlor-alkali, ethylene, and vinyls production and commercial chains that contribute to Chemical Market Analytics’s industry-leading expertise in chlor-vinyls and chlor-alkali derivatives.

She has worked as a sales executive and product manager in multiple Latin American countries over the past twenty years, gaining deep petrochemical and chlor-vinyls industry knowledge and broad expertise in chemical market analysis, sales and management. Her experience includes positions with Quimica Delta as Product and Commercial Director for the Base Oils and Solvents business units in Mexico; Commercial Director PMV / Mexichem Mexico guiding chlor-alkali, ethylene, and VCM business strategies and commercial operations; and experience defining new business models and executing sales programs in Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil for chemical and oil companies including 3M Colombia, DuPont México, Chevron México, and BP México.

Henry Warren Director, EMEA Chlorine & Vinyls Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Henry Warren is the Director of the Inorganics Group at Chemical Market Analytics.

Mr. Warren is an integral member of the Vinyls Market Advisory Service. He performs market analysis of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) industry and its precursors – ethylene dichloride (EDC) and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). He is a key contributor to the annual World Analysis – Vinyls and the in-depth monthly vinyls service.

For most of his career, he has covered hydrochloric acid, chlorinated solvents, caustic potash, and caustic soda, but his focus has continued to center on vinyls. He joined Chemical Market Analytics when it acquired Harriman Chemsult, a highly regarded consultancy specializing in the chlor-alkali and vinyls segment.

Mr. Warren has a degree in economics and he entered the field of chemical market analysis in 1996, analyzing feedstocks and several polyolefin value chains in Europe, North America, and Latin America. Along with the stakeholder relationships he has built over several decades, his in-depth understanding of the industry contributes to the unparalleled level of insight that Chemical Market Analytics brings to this sector.

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

Angel Fernandez is the Director of Chlor-alkali Research at Chemical Market Analytics

Angel joined the Chemical Market Analytics team through the legacy IHS Markit Base Chemical team in 2021 and is running the EMEA Chlor-alkali Research as part of the Inorganics Global Business Team. He brings 17 years of experience in trading, shipping, market research, and analysis for the chemical industry

Angel started his career in the chemical industry with BP Chemicals, followed by five years at Sojitz UK, where he was involved in the trading and shipping aromatics, solvents, and methanol.

Before joining the IHS Markit base chemicals business (now known as Chemical Market Analytics), he spent 10 years researching and analyzing oxo alcohols, plasticizers, and chlor-alkali markets at a market data provider. Angel holds Masters Degrees in Chemistry and International Relations.

Wilson Loh Director, Asia Chlor Alkali Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Wilson Loh is the Director for Asian Chlor-alkali  at Chemical Market Analytics.

Wilson focuses on the Asian chlor-alkali markets and brings over 20 years of experience in chemical distribution and trading. His experience includes working for Chemical Industries (Far East) Limited, Univar Singapore, and as General Manager for Singapore and Asia for Basic Chemical Solutions Far East.