The Supervisory Board of Covestro elected Dr. Rainer Seele as its new Chairman on 18 December 2025. He officially succeeds Dr. Richard Pott with effect from 20 December 2025, following Dr. Pott’s decision to step down after many years of distinguished service on the Board. The leadership transition comes shortly after the successful completion of the strategic partnership between Covestro and XRG, marking an important milestone in the company’s transformation journey.
Dr. Richard Pott’s Defining Role in Covestro’s Evolution
Since Covestro’s founding in 2015, Dr. Richard Pott has played a pivotal role as chairman of the supervisory board, guiding the company through some of its most critical phases of development. Over more than a decade, he steered Covestro through its separation from Bayer, its successful initial public offering, and most recently, its strategic realignment with XRG. His leadership helped establish Covestro as a focused, innovation-driven, and sustainability-oriented global materials company.
Dr. Pott said, “It has been an honour to support Covestro on its journey and help shape the development of this exceptional company. I am convinced that the strategic partnership with XRG positions Covestro excellently for the future. I also wish my successor Dr. Rainer Seele all the best in his endeavours in guiding the company into its next phase of development.”
Industry and Leadership Experience
With his appointment, Covestro gains a Chairman with deep international experience across the energy and chemicals value chain. Since 2025, Dr. Rainer Seele has led XRG’s global chemicals business as President and played a key role in shaping and executing the strategic partnership with Covestro. Prior to joining XRG, Dr. Seele served as Chief Executive Officer of OMV AG from 2015 to 2021, where he led major strategic and operational initiatives. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions at Wintershall, contributing significantly to the company’s long-term strategic direction.
Transformation and Sustainability Agenda
Dr. Seele said, “I am very much looking forward to my role as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Covestro. The company combines outstanding technological expertise with a highly skilled workforce and a clear strategic focus on sustainability and the circular economy. Together with the Management Board under the leadership of Dr. Markus Steilemann, and as part of the XRG family, we will continue to advance Covestro’s transformation, drive long-term value creation, and unlock its full potential. I would also like to thank Dr. Richard Pott for his outstanding contribution and for leading a successful transition.”
Continuity and Strategic Momentum
As per the press release, with this transition, Covestro ensures continuity at the top while reinforcing its strategic priorities around sustainability, circular economy solutions, and long-term value creation. The appointment of Dr. Seele underscores the company’s ambition to leverage strong governance and global partnerships as it enters its next phase of growth.
