Karen S. Carter To Lead Dow, Joining Short List Of Black Women Fortune 500 CEOs

Karen S. Carter will take over as CEO of Dow Inc. on July 1, 2026, the company announced in a news release.

In a LinkedIn post on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Carter acknowledged the impact of her predecessor, Jim Fitterling. She credited him with leading the company through significant change, strengthening its culture, and setting a clear path forward.

“I’ve learned a great deal working alongside him, and I’m grateful for his partnership and continued leadership as Executive Chair of the Board,” Carter shared.

Who Is Karen Carter?

Carter began her career at Dow as an intern in 1994, more than 30 years ago. According to the company’s website, she has held a wide range of leadership roles spanning business operations, sales and marketing, and human resources.

“That experience gives me a clear view of what drives value, and where we need to be sharper to win,” Carter wrote on LinkedIn.

“I know the people, the work, and the responsibility that comes with this role, and as we look ahead, my focus is simple: execute with discipline, stay close to our customers, operate safely, and deliver results the right way — for our team members, our communities, and our shareholders,” she added. “I am proud to take this next step with Team Dow.”

Currently, Carter serves as Dow’s chief operating officer (COO). As COO and a member of the executive committee, she has led companywide business and operations, overseeing Dow’s core segments and key functions while boosting customer engagement and driving innovation, the news release states.

Most recently, she served as president of Dow’s Packaging & Specialty Plastics segment, Dow’s largest operating division and a leading global supplier of polyethylene resins and functional polymers.

Carter Among Few Black Women CEOs In The Fortune 500

Carter’s appointment will make her one of only three Black women currently leading Fortune 500 companies, Fortune reports. The list already includes Thasunda Brown Duckett of TIAA and Joi Harris of DTE Energy.

“I am deeply honored to assume the role of CEO and lead Dow into our next chapter,” Carter said in the press release. “Dow has extraordinary people, world-class assets, and leading positions in the markets we serve. Our focus remains unwavering: delivering reliable and innovative solutions for our customers, and long-term value for our employees and our shareholders, while accelerating our transformation to set a new competitive standard for best-in-class performance.”

The post Karen S. Carter To Lead Dow, Joining Short List Of Black Women Fortune 500 CEOs appeared first on AfroTech.

The post Karen S. Carter To Lead Dow, Joining Short List Of Black Women Fortune 500 CEOs appeared first on AfroTech.