Ken van der Wende

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT KEN VAN DER WENDE

Global multi-functional strategic business leader who gets sustainable results regardless of product, services, industry or geography. Drove record profits as P&L leader in major chemical business with cross functional teamwork. As market manager, used value driven marketing to accelerate the growth and profitability of Dow’s chemical intermediate business. Grew Dow’s Engineering plastics business by 20% in two years with novel “lower customer total cost” program. Accelerating sales and profits of Celanese automotive plastics with global accounts while directly leading North/South America and Mexico. Transformational multi-functional leader for Dow Chemical’s global $7 billion indirect sales channels. P&L leader for multiple chemical businesses of >$750 million. Led BISSEL’s North American manufacturing, facilities, sourcing, logistics and customer service operations improving quality & service while dramatically reducing total costs. As President & CEO of the business incubator at Central Michigan University, launched 10 successful start-ups in under 2 years. Developed growth strategies for dozens of businesses embedded at Dow Chemical. Started 3 independent companies. Lead Dow plastics business development including large monomer/polymer platforms, specialty resins and derivatives. Built two new businesses at BISSELL Homecare. Established BISSELL’s International office in Europe. Only private sector executive to assist in Homeland Security strategy development. Led Dow’s corporate strategy and planning team that built several large new business platforms. Developed Dow’s strategy for specialty plastics growth. Extensive experience negotiating global joint ventures, product contracts, and distribution agreements with respected partners including P&G, Saudi Aramco, Russia BSL, Cargill, 3M, Walmart and Lowes. As Director of Dow Investor Relations brought “marketing” into the IR plan.