NOVA Chemicals Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

NOVA Chemicals has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, manufacturing, corporate operations, joint venture management, and executive leadership.

Focused on sustainable plastic resin production, NOVA Chemicals drives global chemical manufacturing excellence through advanced material science and strategic investment partnerships to deliver high-performance solutions for modern industrial applications.

Leadership Roles at NOVA Chemicals

  • Chief Executive Officer - Gord Knott
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Roger Kearns
  • Chief Executive Officer & Founder - Chinedu Akunne
  • Chief of Staff & Director, Joint Venture - Julie Puddell
  • Director, Corporate Strategy & Chief of Staff - Andrea Tracey
  • Gord Knott - Chief Executive Officer

    Gord Knott, the Chief Executive Officer at NOVA Chemicals, directs the overarching strategic vision for plastic resin manufacturing. Overseeing the primary production assets, the Chief Executive Officer ensures operational efficiency across North American facilities. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chains to maintain market competitiveness in the chemical sector. By aligning manufacturing output with evolving industry demands, Gord Knott optimizes resource allocation and capital investment. The Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous safety standards while driving innovation in polymer development. Through constant evaluation of market trends, Knott secures long-term growth for the organization. This executive leadership position requires deep integration with technical teams to refine product quality. Ultimately, Knott fosters a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring the company remains a leader in the production of essential chemical materials for diverse global markets.

    Roger Kearns - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Roger Kearns, the President & Chief Executive Officer at NOVA Chemicals, architects the corporate growth strategy and manages the subsidiary relationship with the Mubadala Investment Company. Overseeing the executive board, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of sustainable chemical manufacturing capabilities. This leadership role involves coordinating with international stakeholders to secure market share in the competitive resin industry. By prioritizing environmental stewardship and technological advancement, Roger Kearns ensures the company meets modern sustainability benchmarks. The President & Chief Executive Officer monitors financial performance and operational health across all business units. Through strategic oversight, Kearns aligns corporate objectives with the broader mission of delivering high-performance plastic solutions. This executive position demands constant engagement with industry partners to foster innovation. Ultimately, Kearns secures the future of the organization by balancing immediate production needs with long-term strategic development goals.
    Roger Kearns

    Chinedu Akunne - Chief Executive Officer & Founder

    Chinedu Akunne, the Chief Executive Officer & Founder at NOVA Chemicals, drives the foundational vision for chemical innovation and product development. Overseeing the research and development pipeline, the Chief Executive Officer & Founder ensures the integration of cutting-edge material science into the manufacturing process. This leadership role involves identifying emerging market opportunities for specialized plastic resins. By championing a culture of entrepreneurial growth, Chinedu Akunne accelerates the transition from laboratory concepts to industrial-scale production. The Chief Executive Officer & Founder maintains close collaboration with technical leads to refine product performance metrics. Through rigorous analysis of chemical properties, Akunne optimizes the product portfolio to meet specific client requirements. This executive position requires constant vigilance regarding technological shifts in the global chemical industry. Ultimately, Akunne secures the competitive advantage of the company by fostering a relentless focus on scientific excellence and market-driven innovation.

    Julie Puddell - Chief of Staff & Director, Joint Venture

    Julie Puddell, the Chief of Staff & Director, Joint Venture at NOVA Chemicals, manages the operational alignment between internal departments and external partnership entities. Overseeing the execution of joint venture agreements, the Chief of Staff & Director, Joint Venture ensures that collaborative projects meet strict performance milestones. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the executive office and various operational teams to streamline decision-making processes. By coordinating complex cross-functional initiatives, Julie Puddell drives efficiency in the management of shared assets. The Chief of Staff & Director, Joint Venture monitors the progress of strategic alliances to ensure maximum value extraction for the organization. Through meticulous planning and oversight, Puddell mitigates risks associated with large-scale industrial partnerships. This executive position requires constant interaction with senior leadership to maintain organizational focus. Ultimately, Puddell secures the success of collaborative ventures by ensuring seamless integration of resources and strategic goals.

    Andrea Tracey - Director, Corporate Strategy & Chief of Staff

    Andrea Tracey, the Director, Corporate Strategy & Chief of Staff at NOVA Chemicals, architects the long-term strategic roadmap and manages the daily operations of the executive office. Overseeing the development of corporate initiatives, the Director, Corporate Strategy & Chief of Staff ensures that all business units remain aligned with the overarching mission of the company. This leadership role involves analyzing market data to inform high-level decision-making regarding manufacturing investments. By synthesizing complex information for the executive team, Andrea Tracey drives clarity and focus across the organization. The Director, Corporate Strategy & Chief of Staff coordinates with department heads to track progress on key performance indicators. Through strategic planning, Tracey optimizes internal processes to support the growth of plastic resin production. This executive position requires constant engagement with the board to refine corporate direction. Ultimately, Tracey secures the operational integrity of the company by ensuring strategic alignment at every level.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding NOVA Chemicals Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads NOVA Chemicals?
    NOVA Chemicals is led by Gord Knott (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Roger Kearns (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Chinedu Akunne (Chief Executive Officer & Founder).
    Who is part of NOVA Chemicals’s executive team?
    The executive team of NOVA Chemicals includes leaders such as Gord Knott (Chief Executive Officer), Roger Kearns (President & Chief Executive Officer), Chinedu Akunne (Chief Executive Officer & Founder) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does NOVA Chemicals have?
    NOVA Chemicals has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in NOVA Chemicals’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of NOVA Chemicals includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Chief of Staff & Director, Joint Venture, Director, Corporate Strategy & Chief of Staff.