Stepan Announces Appointment of New Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL) has appointed Ruben Velasquez as its new Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective July 15, 2025. Velasquez joins from 3M Company, where he served as Vice President Global Finance Transformation, bringing over two decades of global finance leadership experience.

Velasquez succeeds Samuel Hinrichsen, who will continue as Vice President of Finance after serving as Interim CFO. The new CFO's experience includes senior finance roles at 3M and Ecopetrol, complemented by an MBA from Northwestern University and a BS in Industrial Engineering from Universidad de Los Andes.

Positive

• Appointment of experienced CFO with over 20 years of global finance leadership
• New CFO brings diverse industry experience from industrial conglomerates and oil & gas sectors
• Smooth transition with interim CFO remaining as VP of Finance

Negative

• None.

NORTHBROOK, Ill., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL) announced today the appointment of Ruben Velasquez as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Stepan, effective as of July 15, 2025. Mr. Velasquez will succeed Samuel Hinrichsen who, as previously reported, is presently serving as Vice President and Interim Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Hinrichsen will continue in his role as Vice President of Finance.

Mr. Velasquez most recently served as Vice President Global Finance Transformation at 3M Company. Prior to that, Mr. Velasquez held several senior finance roles at 3M, including Vice President Global Finance and CFO Manufacturing & Supply Chain Operations, and Vice President Global Finance and CFO Consumer Business, as well as serving as the Finance Director and Country CFO at 3M Russia and 3M Colombia. Mr. Velasquez began his finance career at Ecopetrol in Colombia where he held senior finance leadership roles including Finance Director Corporate FP&A and Treasury, and Interim Vice President and Corporate Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Velasquez holds an MBA from Northwestern University and a BS in Industrial Engineering from Universidad de Los Andes.

"Ruben brings over two decades of global finance leadership experience across diverse industries, including industrial conglomerates and the oil and gas industry," said Luis E. Rojo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stepan. "We are excited to add Ruben's leadership and financial expertise to the Stepan team. We also thank Sam for all of his contributions while serving as Interim Chief Financial Officer."

Corporate Profile

Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of specialty and intermediate chemicals used in a broad range of industries. Stepan is a leading merchant producer of surfactants, which are the key ingredients in consumer and industrial cleaning and disinfection products and in agricultural and oilfield solutions. The Company is also a leading supplier of polyurethane polyols used in the expanding thermal insulation market, and CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers) industries.

Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, Stepan utilizes a network of modern production facilities located in North and South America, Europe and Asia.

The Company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol SCL. For more information about Stepan Company please visit the Company online at www.stepan.com.

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SOURCE Stepan Company

FAQ

Who is the new CFO of Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL)?

Ruben Velasquez is the new CFO of Stepan Company, effective July 15, 2025. He previously served as Vice President Global Finance Transformation at 3M Company.

What is Ruben Velasquez's background before joining Stepan (NYSE: SCL)?

Velasquez held senior finance roles at 3M Company, including VP Global Finance and CFO positions in Manufacturing & Supply Chain Operations and Consumer Business. He also served as Finance Director at 3M Russia and Colombia, and began his career at Ecopetrol.

When does Stepan's new CFO appointment take effect?

Ruben Velasquez's appointment as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Stepan becomes effective on July 15, 2025.

Who did Ruben Velasquez replace as Stepan's CFO?

Velasquez replaced Samuel Hinrichsen, who was serving as Vice President and Interim Chief Financial Officer. Hinrichsen will continue with the company as Vice President of Finance.

What are Ruben Velasquez's educational qualifications?

Velasquez holds an MBA from Northwestern University and a BS in Industrial Engineering from Universidad de Los Andes.