Strategic Partnerships: Leveraging Alliances for Growth and Innovation
Session Summary: In an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving global marketplace, strategic partnerships have become a critical driver of growth and innovation in the chemical industry. This executive-level session will explore how forming and managing successful alliances with both traditional and non-traditional partners can accelerate business performance, open new markets, and foster groundbreaking innovations. From joint ventures and collaborations with startups to partnerships with technology providers and academic institutions, this session will provide actionable insights into how executives can leverage these alliances to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.
Attendees will hear from industry leaders about best practices for identifying, negotiating, and nurturing partnerships that align with long-term business goals. The session will also highlight the importance of creating a culture of collaboration within organizations, addressing potential risks, and navigating challenges in cross-sector partnerships. With a focus on real-world case studies and proven strategies, this session will equip executives with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about building partnerships that drive both growth and innovation in the chemical sector.
Speakers
Maria Ciliberti
Moderator
Maria holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration, both from Ohio State University.
Her professional experience spans over 30 years in the petrochemical industry in manufacturing, R&D, commercial and business management roles. She worked at The Dow Chemical Company, Columbia Gas of Ohio, and Container Corporation of America in the USA. She also spent over a decade in global leadership roles in Europe – with Celanese, General Electric Plastics (Sabic), and Borealis. Prior to Vopak, Maria was the Commercial Vice President for Borealis’ Global Specialty Solutions Business.
Today, Maria is President of Vopak’s USA and Canada business, which includes nine marine terminals and four joint ventures.
Courtney Johnson
Panelist
As Senior Director of Political Mobilization for the American Chemistry Council (ACC), Courtney Johnson spearheads grassroots advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local level for over 150 ACC member companies.
Through engagement with industry stakeholders, including legislators, regulators and community members, Ms. Johnson’s team advocates for policies which help ensure the chemical industry’s continued ability to innovate, create jobs, and grow the economy.
Ms. Johnson began her career on Capitol Hill as a legislative aide in the House of Representatives and has led female-driven coalitions for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Republican State Leadership Committee, the Women Lead PAC, and Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney.
Prior to joining the American Chemistry Council, Courtney worked in political and digital consulting and was the principal of her own firm.
A native of Santa Rosa, California, Courtney is a graduate of Baylor University with a degree in Political Science.
Lottie elwood
Panelist
Lottie Elwood is Senior Vice President & General Manager Global Chemicals for Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company. Ecolab is the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention technologies and services that protect people and vital resources.
In this role, Lottie is responsible for leading and developing Global Chemicals operational and commercial strategy, establishing objectives for the business to accelerate growth and deliver differentiated value to chemical customers around the world. Lottie and the Global Chemicals team focus on customer business drivers to develop deeper partnerships and provide consistent performance, customized solutions, commercial excellence, and unparalleled innovation.
Lottie has over 22 years of experience in the chemical manufacturing and distribution industry and has held various roles in commercial leadership, strategy development, global corporate accounts, sales operations, technical sales for up, mid, and downstream, and petrochemical markets, category management and supply chain. Prior to joining Ecolab in 2020, Lottie worked for LyondellBasell and Univar Solutions.
Lottie has served as the Executive Sponsor for the Texas PRIDE chapter since 2023. She is also part of the Houston E3 leadership forum and provides mentorship, coaching and development to associates as part of that team. Lottie is a member of several industry networks including AIChE, ACC, AFPM and Women in Chemicals.