NOVA Chemicals has announced that Randy Woelfel has joined the company and will become its chief executive officer. Woelfel will replace Christopher D. Pappas who earlier announced his retirement.

“We are pleased to bring someone to NOVA with the extensive industry experience of Randy Woelfel,” said Mohammed Al Mehairi, chairman of the board of NOVA Chemicals, and director, Investments of International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC). “Along with Borealis and Borouge, NOVA Chemicals is an important part of IPIC’s plans to build a new global polyolefins leader.”

“I am delighted and honored to join the NOVA Chemicals team,” said Woelfel. “The company has great strengths, and with the strong commitment and backing of IPIC, I am confident NOVA has an outstanding future.”

Woelfel began his career with Shell Oil Co. in 1977 and was a key member of the team that helped create Montell Polyolefins in 1995 - today part of LyondellBasell. He subsequently held the positions of president, Basell International, and president, Basell North America. Most recently, Woelfel was managing director energy at the Houston Technology Center and president of bioplastics developer Cereplast Inc. Woelfel earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Rice University and a Masters in Management from MIT’s Sloan School of Business.

NOVA Chemicals develops and manufactures chemicals, plastic resins, and end-products that make everyday life safer, healthier, and easier. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of The International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.