Celanese Names New Lead Independent Director
Celanese Corp. has named Kim K.W. Rucker as its new lead independent director effective April 18, 2024. Rucker, former executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for Andeavor (formerly Tesoro Corp.) and experienced corporate director, has been a member of the Celanese Board of Directors since 2018. She succeeds William M. “Bill” Brown who, as previously announced, decided not to seek re-election to the board in conjunction with his appointment as the new chief executive officer of 3M Corp.
In connection with Rucker’s election as lead independent director, she stepped down as chair of the Celanese Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and the board appointed Ganesh Moorthy to that role, effective April 18, 2024. Rucker remains a member of the Celanese Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation and Management Development Committee.
Rucker draws from decades of public company executive leadership and board experience. “Since joining our board, Kim’s wisdom, insights, and engagement have been invaluable on topics ranging from strategic acquisitions to navigating the COVID pandemic. I’m thrilled that she will continue to bring her wealth of expertise and leadership to Celanese as our lead independent director,” said Lori Ryerkerk, Celanese chair, chief executive officer, and president. “I would also like to thank Bill for his contributions over the last eight years and wish him the best in his new role.”
“I consider it a great privilege to engage with Celanese leadership and the board, and I’m excited by this opportunity to lead in an expanded way,” said Rucker. “I appreciate the confidence of the Board and look forward to continuing to support Celanese and drive shareholder value.”
Rucker serves as an independent director at HP Inc., Marathon Petroleum Corp., and GE Vernova. She is also a member of the board of trustees at Johns Hopkins Medicine and serves on the board of the nonprofit Haven for Hope. She previously served on the board of directors of Lennox International Inc.
Throughout her career, Rucker has demonstrated strategic, leadership and corporate governance acumen at companies such as Andeavor, Kraft Foods Group Inc., Avon Products Inc., Energy Future Holdings Corp., and Kimberly-Clark Corp. She was also a partner at Sidley Austin LLP.
Rucker earned a B.B.A. in economics from the University of Iowa, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and a master's in public policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Learn more about Celanese at www.celanese.com.
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