Ilham Kadri

Kadri took the top job at the 156-year old, Belgium-based multinational in March. The $12.9 billion firm makes advanced materials and specialty chemicals—plastic that's as strong as metal, for example— that are used in a wide range of products including state-of-the-art automobiles and aircraft, medical devices, and batteries. Though Kadri, who joined the firm from U.S. cleaning and hygiene product company Diversey, has made some organizational changes and announced her intention to deleverage the company, she plans to outline her broader strategy later this year. Solvay is in the midst of selling its non-specialty polyamide business, a move that investors have cheered.

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