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Michael Finelli

Chief Technology & Innovation Officer and Chief North America OfficerSyensqo

Atlanta, GA

Member Since June 2024

Skills

Business Strategy
Product Development
Cross-functional Team Leadership

About

I am an experienced professional with over 30 years in the chemical industry, including more than >15 years in executive leadership roles. As the Chief Technology & Innovation Officer (CTIO) and Chief North America Officer at Syensqo, I lead a team of 2,000 professionals - our Syensqo explorers and changemakers including those in the Group's key strategic platforms: Battery materials, Green Hydrogen, Thermoplastic Composites, and Renewable materials & biotechnology. My CTIO responsibilities encompass allocating resources according to the group strategy to drive innovation while guiding commercial activities, operations, capital planning, partnerships, and alliances for the four business incubators. On top of these roles, I proudly serve as a board member for the American Chemistry Council, the FOSSI Advisory Board, and SynOrb (Syensqo and Orbia joint venture for Battery material PVDF in NA). In my previous roles, I held the position of President at Solvay Growth Initiatives and, before that, served as President of Solvay’s Specialty Polymers global business. Based in Alpharetta, Georgia, United States, a crucial hub for Syensqo in North America, I contribute to the region's significance as a key commercial, research, and manufacturing center for the Group.

Published content

How will tomorrow's employees master the AI revolution in 2025? 

expert panel

10 key factors to nurture and develop a tech-savvy team in the digital workplace. As the world of technology continues to reinvent itself, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a fundamental component for any thriving business in the competitive marketplace. While automated software solutions are lightening employees' daily workloads, most professionals agree on the importance of finding a balance between human touch and technology.  However, oftentimes, there is resistance to change if staff members are uncomfortable or nervous about navigating a new system. To help leaders better equip their teams for what's to come in the future, 10 experts from Fast Company Executive Board weigh in on the essential skills or training every employee should have under their belt to work effectively with AI technology in 2025.

Going green: Why investing in the development of a green hydrogen economy is good for business and the environment

article

In the race to reach net zero, green hydrogen can provide solutions to some of our most difficult decarbonization problems.

Electrifying the future: Why America’s Battery Belt is key to affordable and reliable electric cars

article

To meet the increasing demand for electric vehicles and enable the transition to clean mobility, we must make EVs both affordable and reliable.

A chemical revolution: Why biotechnology holds the key to a more sustainable future

article

Biotechnology is more than just a buzzword. This emerging industry is set to transform all aspects of our lives, bringing benefits for people and the planet.

Are your company's original DEI efforts suddenly at a standstill? 

expert panel

Here are 12 reasons why equity and inclusion methods must move up another notch (the C-suite level) to reach desired outcomes and develop trustworthy employer-employee-consumer relationships. One of the reasons well-intentioned DEI initiatives often fall by the wayside in some work environments is because of the lack of full resources, expertise, and support that is required to keep them on the top of a company's agenda.  Introducing new strategies to address DEI shortcomings may sound good on paper during the initial push, but if the leadership team is unwilling or unable to provide the proper expectations, communications, and training as it relates to the company's core values and objectives, their efforts will continue to come up short.  To ensure DEI is given the attention it needs, 12 experts from Fast Company Executive Board each share their thoughts on why equity and inclusion efforts should be moved out of the HR department and elevated to C-level decision-makers instead.

Company details

Syensqo

Company bio

Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates in 30 countries. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.

Industry

Technology

Area of focus

Biotechnology
health care application
clean mobility

Company size

10,001 plus