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April 21, 2026
Karen S. Carter has been named the next CEO of Dow Inc., becoming the first Black woman to lead the chemical giant in its 126-year history. She will succeed Jim Fitterling, who will transition to Executive Chair, effective July 1, 2026.
The leadership transition caps a multi-year succession planning process, which the company says is designed to ensure continuity while advancing its long-term strategic priorities.
“I am deeply honored to assume the role of CEO and lead Dow into our next chapter,” Carter said in a press release. “Dow has extraordinary people, world-class assets, and leading positions in the markets we serve.”
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In a corporate landscape where Black women remain significantly underrepresented at the top, Carter’s appointment places her among a small group of Black female CEOs leading Fortune 500 companies. In recognition of this rare achievement, UrbanGeekz spotlighted 10 key facts to note about Karen S. Carter.
First Black Woman to Lead Dow Inc.
This appointment will make Karen S. Carter the first Black woman to lead the company in its entire 126-year existence. The organization said in a statement, “This appointment reflects our confidence in her ability to lead Dow forward into its next chapter of growth and value creation for customers, employees, and shareholders.”
First Few Black Women to Lead a Fortune 500 Company
Even in 2026, Black women running Fortune 500 companies are extraordinarily rare. When Carter steps into this role, she joins a group so small it can be counted on one hand. She’ll become the third Black female CEO leading a Fortune 500 company, joining TIAA’s Thasunda Brown Duckett and DTE’s Joi Harris.
First Few Women to Lead Fortune 500 Companies
Despite decades of conversations about gender equality and breaking glass ceilings, fewer than 1 in 10 Fortune 500 companies is currently led by a woman. That’s just over 50 out of 500. Karen Carter is now one of them, and that is worth celebrating.
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The Appointment becomes Official on July 1, 2026
July 1, 2026, is the day Karen Carter formally takes over as Chief Executive Officer. She will also join Dow’s Board of Directors, meaning beyond day-to-day leadership, she’ll have a voice in every major decision.
She’s Basically a Dow Lifer
Karen Carter didn’t arrive at Dow as an outsider brought in to shake things up. She joined the company back in 1994, straight out of Howard University, and never left.
She’s Already Been Running Things
Before becoming CEO, Carter served as Dow’s Chief Operating Officer, a role she took on in December 2024. So she was essentially keeping the entire company running, tracking performance, and managing key teams.
She Operated Dow’s Biggest Business
From 2022 to 2024, she led Dow’s Packaging & Specialty Plastics division. This segment is Dow’s largest operating segment, which accounts for approximately half of the company’s sales and roughly $23 billion in revenue.
Carter was Dow’s Chief Human Resources and Inclusion Officer
She previously served as Dow’s Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Inclusion Officer from 2019 to 2022, holding a uniquely holistic perspective on the company’s operations and culture. She spent years focused on Dow’s people, not just its products, and shaping the culture from a human angle.
Leading One of the Largest Chemical Producers Globally
Dow Inc. is a corporate giant. In 2025, the company pulled in around $40 billion in sales. It operates in 29 countries with approximately 34,600 employees worldwide as of 2024. The Michigan-based multinational corporation is one of the largest industrial companies on the planet.
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She’s Replacing Jim Fitterling
Karen is stepping into Jim Fitterling’s shoes, who has been CO since 2018. He will move into the role of Executive Chair. He’ll shift his focus to the bigger picture, driving long-term strategy and ensuring strong governance.
Main Image: Karen S. Carter. Image Credit: Dow Inc.
