Thenewleadershipimperative:Leading the chemicals industryin aneraofdisruptionA practical quideMarch,2026RolandEPCABerger
Beingaleader in Europe's chemical industry has become more difficult-Notbecause leaders are weaker but because the context has fundamentally changed Five dynamics reshaping leadership in the chemical industryPermanentuncertaintySpeedvs.Structure,Shiftfromepisodicchangeto.Urgentneedforfaster:LeadersareopentodiaitaldecisionsandAl.Intersectingpressuresgeopolitics,Slowedbygovernance,,Butfaceuncertaintyaroundenergy,supplychains,sustainabilityprocesslayers, andregulation,security,compliance,and,Decisionsmade withincomplete.UncleardecisionrightsdriveinformationandconstantcourseescalationDiaitalliteracy affectscredibility,correction,Empowermentisdesired.butnotjustcapabilityAgilityandresiliencearenowinconsistentlyrealizedConfidencemattersmorethanbaselineexpectationstoolsThetalentparadoxLeadershipfatigue.Hichcompetitionfortalent,yetskillgaps,Sustoinednressureandemotionalloadpersist,LeadersexpectedtoabsorbstressandTechnicalexpertisealoneisinsufficientstabilizeothers.Resilienceisnolonderadifferentiotor-judgment, and people leadershipit'saprerequisiteLeadershipstandardsarerisingSupportstructureslagbehindlfasterthansupplyexpectationsRolandBerger|2
Future leadership skills fal into four dimensions: Leading others, LeadingmyselfBusiness orientation and Innovation managementLeadership skills that will shabe the next decadeLeadingothersLeadingmyselfEmpoweringemployees:CreatingenvironmentswherepeoplefeelDemonstratingagilityandflexibility:Quickly adaptingvalued.fosterinaautonomy anddecision-makingto changinaconditionswhile embracina newideasCommunicatina with impact: Sharinaideas ina clearandShowingresilience:Navigatingandlearningfromchallengesling way andusingstoriestomakemessageswhilesustainingapositivemindsetandworkatmosphereBeindermoathic:RecognizingandunderstandingLeadinawithpurpose:Defininaaclearmissionandothers emotions andvalues.fostering strongrelationshipsealsoinsoirinaothersthrouahcomoassionModernrexperience:EnablingsolutionsthatLeadershipShowingdigitalliteracy:Effectivelyleveragingadigitalladdress customer needs.enhance satisfactionskillstools and Al to make decisions. strenathenleadership andng-term loyaltyimprove productivityPegicthinker:Shapingaclearlona-termvisionAdaotinatochanainareculations:Proactively anticipateandanticioatinafuturemarketDrivingbusinessmodelinovation:IdentiyingandimplementingEnablingexecutionmanagement:Ensuringplansandprojectsarenovelapproachestocreatevalueand stayaheadeffectivelyimplementedthroughstructuredprocessesandcontinuousimprovementBusinessorientationInnovationmanagement
Leadershipdemandis shiftina toward people activation and digital capabilities-Expectations are outpacing organizational readiness andcurrent capabilitiesExpectedchange in the importance and readiness of leadership skillsImportancethresholdSTABLEIMPORTANCEURGENTPRIORITIESDigitalCustomerliteracyexperienceEmpathyplouse.upApapdogEmpoweringA3llqpdpoaueunoCommunicationAgilityinnovationResilienceAdaptingregulationsCAPABILITIESSTRENGTHSAHEADOFDEMANDTOLEVERAGEGrowingFutureImportanceRolandBerger|4
Organizations must focus on two main areas: Upskiling th...
