
Dr. Thorsten Dreier, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Labor Director Covestro
- Initial appointment: July 1, 2023
- Current contract: Juli 1,2023 - Juni 30, 2026
About Dr. Thorsten Dreier:
As Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Labor Director of Covestro, Dr. Thorsten Dreier is responsible for central technological and operational areas of the company. In his position as Technology Board Member, he is responsible for the central functions Process Technology, Engineering, Group Health, Safety & Environment (Group HSE), and Group Procurement. He also coordinates the introduction and compliance with global processes, standards, and initiatives in Covestro's production network. Furthermore, the Performance Materials business unit falls under his board area.
This comprehensive role allows him to significantly shape Covestro's technological development and operational excellence, thereby expanding the company's role as one of the world's leading suppliers of standard products for high-quality plastics and their components.
As a technology expert with broad business experience, Dreier is at the forefront of Covestro's technological transformation. He has declared safety as his main concern. It is the basis of everything we do at Covestro. His areas of responsibility are closely linked to the company's strategic vision, particularly regarding the goals of climate-neutral production and a complete alignment with the circular economy.
Key factors for the success of the transformation, in his view, are the consistent expansion of renewable energy sources as well as technological know-how and innovative spirit to develop more energy-efficient industrial processes and production facilities. A core element to ensure the company's long-term global competitiveness is, for him, reliable and efficient production with an optimal plant structure and the best possible management of operations. As a prerequisite for the successful growth of the Performance Materials business entity together with its customers.
In his dual role as CTO and Labor Director, Dreier combines technological innovation and growth with social responsibility. Trustful cooperation with the German Works Council and the union is a central success factor for him. He sees social partnership as an essential building block for the successful transformation of the company and maintains an open, constructive dialogue with employee representatives.
Education and Career of Dr. Thorsten Dreier:
Education
- PhD in Chemistry (RWTH Aachen University)
- Degree in Business Administration (RWTH Aachen University)
Professional Career
- 1999: Joined Bayer Group
- From 2008: Leadership positions in Polycarbonates division at Bayer MaterialScience
- 2013-2015: Head of entire Polycarbonates segment based in China
- 2015: Board Member at Covestro, responsible for Innovation
- 2016: Additional responsibility for Polyurethanes business unit
- 2017: Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), responsible for all three segments, Innovation, Marketing and Sales
- Since 2018: Chief Executive Officer of Covestro
Additional Activities and Memberships
- Member of the Presidium of Cefic (European Chemical Industry Council)
- Board Member of ICCA (International Council of Chemical Associations)
- 2020-2022: President of PlasticsEurope
- Since May 2022: Supervisory Board Member of Fuchs Petrolub SE
- Since September 2022: President of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI)