Jeff Immelt, Former CEO
Jeff Immelt, former CEO of General Electric, joins Knowde to share his perspective as one of the earliest adopters and catalysts of digital in the industrials space. Tune into his 40 years of industry experience, as he gives advice on how leaders in the chemical industry today should think about why and how fast they should pursue digital transformation.
Deb Fronczak, former Chief Procurement Officer at 3M, joins Ali to share a practical, inside view of what it really takes to drive digital and AI transformation in complex chemical organizations. Across more than 30 years at 3M, Deb held senior roles in manufacturing operations, engineering and technology — experience that put her at the center of major enterprise-wide initiatives, from ERP changes to early digital and AI adoption. She now brings that perspective to multiple boards across the chemicals, manufacturing, and coatings sectors.
Florian Budde, former Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, joins Ali to break down the forces shaping the industry today. Over nearly 30 years at McKinsey, Florian helped build and lead the firm’s global chemicals and agriculture practice and guided companies through major strategic, operational, and market disruptions. Few people have had a closer or more comprehensive view of how the industry works — and where it’s heading.
Miguel Mantas, former CEO of allnex, joins Ali to reflect on nearly 40 years in the chemical industry — and what the next decade of transformation will require. Having led businesses across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, Miguel brings a rare, firsthand perspective shaped by global roles, major industry shifts, and complex market cycles. Now serving on multiple boards and advising chemical companies around the world, he offers a clear-eyed view of where we’ve been, and what’s ahead.
