John Koegel

Manufacturing Director at Arkema

Friendswood, Texas, United States

About

Strong change agent with significant experience in managing large and complex chemical plant operations. Proven ability to quickly assess organizational performance gaps and implement plans to deliver improved results. High-integrity, passionate leader known, for ability to translate an organizational vision into tactical plans which deliver superior results.

Experience

  • Arkema (Full-time · 8 yrs 6 mos)
    • Director of Manufacturing
      Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

      Responsible for Arkema’s Coating Resin manufacturing plants in North America.

    • Global Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Leader
      Nov 2022 - Jan 2026 · 3 yrs 3 mos

      Managing all aspects of the Operational Excellence Project portfolio for the Coating Solutions Business globally, from idea generation, business case development, data analysis, implementation, and sustainment of improvement projects to meet business level goals. Based out of Texas, my primary focus is on supporting Coatings Solutions for the Americas regions, including the Acrylics Business Unit. In addition to the regional role, I work with other regional leadership roles to help coordinate and leverage the Continuous Improvements efforts for Coating Solutions globally.

    • Plant Manager
      Jan 2018 - Oct 2022 · 4 yrs 10 mos

      Leading Arkema’s Clear Lake Texas Acrylic Acid production facility. The Area includes 112 employees and has an annual operating budget of $45 MM. Oversaw the installation of a new centralized control room and laboratory facility, along with installation of a new Acrylic Acid Reactor (total investment of $100 MM).

  • The Dow Chemical Company (9 yrs 4 mos)
    • Reliability Improvement Leader
      Aug 2015 - Jan 2018 · 2 yrs 6 mos

      Led the Maintenance and Reliability function for the Performance Monomers business. Responsibilities included setting plant operating budgets, developing multi-year turnaround schedules, creating reliability improvement plans and cost productivity targets, and facilitating employee succession planning workshops.

    • Monomer Asset Integration Leader
      Sep 2010 - Aug 2015 · 5 yrs

      Led the development and integration of optimization initiatives for the Performance Monomers Business. These initiatives included business cost tracking and optimization, shutdown coordination, organizational succession planning, plant improvement project tracking, and long range production planning.

    • Acrylates Production Leader
      Oct 2008 - Sep 2010 · 2 yrs

      Led North America’s largest Acrylic Acid production facility. The Area contained 120 employees and had an annual budget of $100 MM. During this time, helped the area and site transition to the Dow production model. Also participated in union negotiations for new 4 year Collective Bargaining Agreement.

  • Rohm and Haas (Deer Park TX)
    • NP2 Area Manager
      Mar 2007 - Oct 2008 · 1 yr 8 mos

      Led the company’s largest cyanide manufacturing unit, only Primene Amine unit, and another Methacrylates production unit. The Area contained 75 employees and had an annual budget of $40 MM. The Area had excellent Environmental, Health & Safety performance and set several new annual production records. Also participated in union negotiations for Collective Bargaining Agreement extension.

    • 21CM Production Workstream Leader
      Jun 2006 - Mar 2007 · 10 mos

      Supervised 4 salaried employees and worked with consulting co-lead, installed new processes and systems for managing the production area; coached Area Manager and direct reports on how to effectively create reports, run meetings, and develop action plans to address deviations (including escalation to problem solving process).

    • Lone Star Production Manager
      Sep 2004 - Jun 2006 · 1 yr 10 mos

      Supervised 22 operating technicians, 5 shift leaders and 1 supply chain employee; conducted performance management and career reviews for direct reports; managed production operating budget (~$13 MM); led effort to renegotiate steam allocation for plant (~$0.5 MM annual savings); helped with other important plant initiatives (supply chain reorganization, COPS housekeeping program roll out, Class A renewal, etc.)