Dow Sharpens Focus on Portfolio Optimization

The Dow Chemical Company announced today that it is realigning a number of businesses to a newly created business group, Dow Portfolio Optimization. Each of the businesses within the new group has been earmarked for strategic evaluation, with the goal of defining how best to maximize its long-term value to the Company – whether that be through realignment to other Dow businesses, joint ventures or divestitures.

“Within any organization, systematic portfolio management is fundamental to a company’s evolution and sits right at the heart of long-term shareholder value creation,” said Andrew N Liveris, Dow’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Our newly created portfolio brings this highly important activity squarely into the spotlight, ensuring we drive it forward with discipline, with diligence and with due speed,” he continued.

George Biltz, who currently heads the Company’s Specialty Plastics and Elastomers portfolio, has been appointed business group president of the new portfolio, which will include SARAN™ Products and Specialty Films, Polycarbonate, Compounds and Blends, Synthetic Rubber, and Specialty Copolymers. Going forward, the Company expects to align other Dow businesses to the portfolio as they are assessed for strategic alignment with Dow’s transformational strategy.