Q&A With Chemours Chief Sustainability Officer, Kathy O’Keefe

Chemours’ sustainability journey has entered a new chapter with the recent appointment of Kathy O’Keefe as Chief Sustainability Officer. Let’s take a moment to get to know Kathy a little better. 

Q: Kathy, congratulations on your new role leading sustainability for Chemours. We’d love to know what inspired you to pursue a career in the chemistry industry?
A: Thank you, I’m excited about this next chapter supporting Chemours continued sustainability progress and our vision to deliver Trusted Chemistry. Chemistry has always been part of my life. Both of my parents had long careers in the industry, so I grew up seeing firsthand how science, and specifically chemistry, can shape the world. That early exposure sparked my own curiosity and passion for the field.

Q: You’ve had quite a journey—from DuPont to Koch Industries and now Chemours. What’s been a defining thread through your career?
A: Purpose. Whether I was working in technology, marketing, environmental compliance, or product stewardship, I’ve always been driven by the idea that chemistry can—and should—be a force for good and fuel societal progress. That’s what excites me and keeps me going forward.

Q: You’ve been deeply involved in our sustainability work for years, including the EVOLVE 2030 product portfolio assessment methodology. What’s your view now moving into the CSO role?
A: The world is changing rapidly with many new challenges and disruptions to our operations, supply chains and markets. It is important to understand how these complex issues impact our business and how sustainability can help mitigate potential impacts or turn potential problems into opportunities. Sustainability helps protect our license to operate, differentiate our portfolio, meet the needs of our customers, while building resilience for the future. It will play a central role in advancing our Pathway to Thrive strategy, too. We embed responsibility into everything we do, from how we manufacture to how we innovate the next great solutions that help our customers solve big challenges. I’m excited to help shape that path and ensure we’re delivering essential chemistries in a way that’s safe, transparent, trusted and forward-looking.

Q: What does “responsible chemistry” mean to you?
A: It means going beyond compliance. It’s about being proactive—understanding the impact of our products, engaging in robust conversations with stakeholders, and constantly listening and improving. Responsible chemistry is how we build trust and create long-term value for our customers, communities, and the planet.

Q: Outside of work, what keeps you grounded?
A: Nature and mentorship. I love being outdoors—it reminds me why environmental stewardship matters. And I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders. Seeing and feeling their energy and ideas gives me hope for the future as they become environmental leaders for a new era.

Learn more about Chemours’ progress against its 2030 sustainability goals at chemours.com.