Topic: “Likely Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Global Chemical Industry” Abstract: Paul’s analysis suggests that Covid-19 has acted a catalyst for a number of major paradigm shifts which are now starting to impact the industry. As always, incumbents are finding it difficult to appreciate the speed at which these changes are now developing: - Energy abundance. The supply-driven business models of the past, based on demand growth being a multiple of GDP, need to be replaced by demand-led models - Changing demand patterns. Key industries including autos, construction and electronics are already seeing major change, making customer segmentation key to success - Onshoring, circular economy and advanced manufacturing. We are also seeing a need to ‘do more with less’ on a local basis, based on providing solutions as well as products About our Speaker: Paul publishes ‘The pH Report’ and serves as a Global Expert with the World Economic Forum. He is a trusted adviser to major companies and the investment community, and has a proven track record of accurately identifying key trends in global marketplaces. He is a regular speaker at international conferences and writes regularly for the Financial Times and other leading media. He has been widely recognized for his pioneering work in identifying the impact of ageing Baby Boomers on the economy, and for his foresight in warning of the 2008 financial crisis. He is also a leading advocate for the sustainability agenda within the chemicals and plastics industry. Paul serves as chairman of International eChem (IeC) and as non-executive Chairman of NiTech Solutions, and is a senior adviser to Recycling Technologies. Prior to launching IeC in 1995, Paul spent 17 years with Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in the UK and USA. He held senior executive positions in petrochemicals and chloralkali, and was Executive Director of a $1 billion ICI business. Paul is a Member of the Energy Institute and a Freeman of the City of London.