Stepan Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Stepan has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, administrative operations, financial management, and information technology.

Focused on chemical innovation, Stepan delivers essential surfactants and specialty ingredients to global markets while maintaining a commitment to high-performance manufacturing standards and sustainable chemical development.

Leadership Roles at Stepan

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Luis Rojo
  • Executive Office Business Partner and Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Genl. Counsel, and Chief Human Resources Officer - Debbie Itter
  • Vice President Chief Financial Officer - James Hurlbutt
  • Chief Information Officer, Exterior - Natalia Botero
  • Luis Rojo - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Luis Rojo, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Stepan, directs the overarching strategic vision for the global chemical manufacturing enterprise. Overseeing the production of surfactants, polyurethane polyols, and specialty ingredients, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between market demand and industrial output. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory landscapes across international markets while driving long-term growth initiatives. By optimizing the supply chain and fostering innovation in germicidal and fabric softening quaternaries, Luis Rojo directly impacts the competitive positioning of the organization. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for operational excellence, ensuring that the company remains a leader in the chemical sector. Through consistent focus on efficiency and product development, the executive secures the financial health and market relevance of the entire corporation.
    Luis Rojo

    Debbie Itter - Executive Office Business Partner and Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Genl. Counsel, and Chief Human Resources Officer

    Debbie Itter, the Executive Office Business Partner and Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Genl. Counsel, and Chief Human Resources Officer at Stepan, manages the complex administrative workflows connecting the highest levels of corporate leadership. Coordinating communication between the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the General Counsel, and the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Executive Office Business Partner and Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Genl. Counsel, and Chief Human Resources Officer ensures seamless operational continuity. This role involves prioritizing executive agendas, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, and maintaining the integrity of sensitive corporate documentation. By streamlining internal processes, Debbie Itter supports the strategic decision-making capabilities of the entire C-suite. The Executive Office Business Partner and Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Genl. Counsel, and Chief Human Resources Officer provides the necessary organizational structure to allow leadership to focus on core chemical manufacturing objectives and global market expansion.

    James Hurlbutt - Vice President Chief Financial Officer

    James Hurlbutt, the Vice President Chief Financial Officer at Stepan, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the chemical manufacturing organization. Overseeing financial reporting, risk management, and investor relations, the Vice President Chief Financial Officer ensures the stability of the company balance sheet. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends in the food, supplement, and pharmaceutical sectors to guide investment in new chemical technologies. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, James Hurlbutt supports the expansion of manufacturing capabilities across North American and international regions. The Vice President Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to align budgetary resources with long-term growth targets. Through precise financial planning and capital management, the executive provides the necessary foundation for the company to pursue innovation in phthalic anhydride and specialty chemical production while delivering consistent value to shareholders.

    Natalia Botero - Chief Information Officer, Exterior

    Natalia Botero, the Chief Information Officer, Exterior at Stepan, architects the digital infrastructure and technological frameworks required to support global chemical manufacturing operations. Overseeing the integration of external data systems and digital platforms, the Chief Information Officer, Exterior ensures that the company maintains a competitive edge in information security and operational connectivity. This leadership role involves modernizing IT systems to improve efficiency in the production of surfactants and polyurethane polyols. By implementing advanced data analytics, Natalia Botero enables the organization to respond rapidly to shifts in the food, supplement, and pharmaceutical markets. The Chief Information Officer, Exterior coordinates with other executive leaders to ensure that technological investments directly support the broader corporate mission. Through the deployment of scalable digital solutions, the executive drives operational excellence and enhances the ability of the company to manage complex supply chains across diverse geographic markets.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Stepan Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Stepan?
    Stepan is led by Luis Rojo (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Debbie Itter (Executive Office Business Partner and Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Genl. Counsel, and Chief Human Resources Officer) and James Hurlbutt (Vice President Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Stepan’s executive team?
    The executive team of Stepan includes leaders such as Luis Rojo (President & Chief Executive Officer), Debbie Itter (Executive Office Business Partner and Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Genl. Counsel, and Chief Human Resources Officer), James Hurlbutt (Vice President Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Stepan have?
    Stepan has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Stepan’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Stepan includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Office Business Partner and Executive Assistant To Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Genl. Counsel, and Chief Human Resources Officer, Vice President Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Exterior.