Louis Vega appointed next chair of Chemistry Australia
Chemistry Australia has announced that Louis Vega, President and Managing Director of Dow Chemical Australia and New Zealand, and Vice President Olympic and Sports Solutions, has been appointed Chair of Chemistry Australia.
“We are delighted to welcome Louis Vega as the new Chair of Chemistry Australia. He is a passionate advocate for the business of chemistry, and for the important role of manufacturing in the economy,” said Ms Read, CEO of Chemistry Australia.
Ms Read said Mr Vega’s extensive global experience will bring valuable insight to the role. “Global competition for capital is a key concern for the industry. This is true both for Australian businesses looking at where to reinvest, and for Australian operations of multinationals tendering for major projects.
“Getting the environment right for investment is critical to long-term sustainable growth for the industry,” said Ms Read.
Mr Vega said he was honoured to be nominated by the Australian chemistry industry to Chair the Association.
“There are significant opportunities for growth, especially when you look regionally, but it is going to take big thinking to address some major barriers to investment in Australia,” said Mr Vega.
“Whether I’m talking to other manufacturers from this industry or our supply chain partners, access to affordable gas and energy is absolutely the number one industry issue.
“Lack of gas supply and rapidly escalating energy costs have been driving a negative cycle of investment, and in some cases demand destruction. No single policy shift is going to be an instant panacea.
“Australian manufacturing is important. It’s important for a thriving domestic economy, and it’s important for Australian jobs. I have seen the power of affordable energy and gas to transform an economy and provide highly-skilled jobs.
“Chemistry Australia has a significant work agenda in place that is guided by the Strategic Industry Roadmap. This is an initiative of the industry to facilitate the long-term strategic outlook and actions needed to for growth. I see this as a key function of the Association,” said Mr Vega.
“I am looking forward to working with the Board and secretariat led by Samantha Read, to continue this strong track record and open opportunities for the Australian chemistry industry,” said Mr Vega.
Mr Vega came to the role at Dow Australia and New Zealand in February 2017. His 19 years as a Dow employee includes leadership roles in Switzerland; Dubai and UAE; and a host of roles in the US market including Washington D.C.; Midland, Michigan, and New York.
Ms Read acknowledged outgoing Chemistry Australia Chair Jonathan Clancy. “Johnathan Clancy has been a tireless advocate for the industry in his role as Chair over three terms, and we thank him for this significant contribution. We are extremely fortunate to have such depth of expertise in the Australian industry.” said Ms Read.
Media contacts:
Claire Selby – [email protected] or 0448 028 876
Krista Imberger – [email protected] or 0439 318 290
Chemistry Australia is the pre-eminent national body representing the $40 billion Australian chemistry industry, one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the country. The industry employs more than 60,000 people and contributes more than $11.6 billion to GDP in industry value add. Members of Chemistry Australia are positioned across the entire value chain including manufacturers, importers and distributors, logistics and supply chain partners, raw material suppliers, fabricators, compounders, recyclers, research, academia and service providers to the industry. These businesses range from small family-owned companies to leading national and multinational enterprises.
