Tapping Developing Economies for Growth

Session Summary: This session focuses on strategies for chemical companies to identify, enter, and grow in emerging global markets. It provides insights into the opportunities, challenges, and strategic considerations needed to expand successfully while managing risk.

Key areas include:

  • Market Identification: How to assess emerging economies for growth potential, including market size, regulatory environment, and local demand trends.

  • Competitive Landscape: Understanding local and global competitors, and identifying niches where your company can differentiate.

  • Entry Strategies: Evaluating joint ventures, partnerships, local manufacturing, and distribution options to optimize speed and minimize risk.

  • Operational Considerations: Navigating local regulations, labor markets, supply chain challenges, and infrastructure limitations.

  • Risk Management & Resilience: Techniques to mitigate geopolitical, currency, and logistical risks while maintaining business continuity.

  • Case Studies: Examples of successful market entry and growth strategies in the chemicals industry, highlighting lessons learned.

Speakers

Reanne Rust

Moderator

Reanne Rust is the Managing Director of IMCD Canada, a leading specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor, where she leads the Canadian business across commercial, operational, and strategic dimensions.

Reanne brings a rare combination of scientific depth and business leadership. She holds two Master's degrees from the Technical University of Eindhoven, completed a Chemical Engineering minor at Harvard University, and earned her MBA at INSEAD.

Before stepping into her current role, Reanne spent several years at McKinsey & Company leading large-scale transformation programs across the chemical, life science, and pharmaceutical sectors. She subsequently served as the Global Head of Strategy at IMCD addressing strategic topics across industries and regions.

Outside of work, Reanne stays active through sports and keeps her nightstand perpetually stacked with three or four books at once. She draws daily inspiration from the women around her in the industry and is continually struck by their strength, determination, and accomplishments. She believes the connections women build with one another are a genuine superpower.

Roma Shah

Panelist

Roma Shah is the Managing Director and CEO at Eastmen Chemicals Private Limited, a leading manufacturer of high-purity metallic salts with a strong focus on sustainable and responsible manufacturing. Under her leadership, the company has strengthened its global presence, deepened customer partnerships, and built a culture centered on innovation, operational excellence, and environmental responsibility. 

 She began her career at the age of 19 and has grown through every layer of the business—from the shop floor to now serving as Managing Director of Eastmen Chemicals Private Limited. Her journey across functions and departments has given her deep operational insight and a grounded understanding of the business at every level.A woman entrepreneur in the chemical industry, under her leadership, company employs nearly 60% women, reflecting her strong commitment to creating meaningful pathways for women in manufacturing and leadership.

As one of the few women leaders in manufacturing, Roma is passionate about driving transformation in the chemicals industry through customer-centric growth, sustainable practices, and empowered leadership. She is committed to building resilient businesses, fostering high-performance teams, and creating long-term value for customers, employees, and stakeholders.

Josh Dillingham

Panelist

Josh Dillingham is an analyst at ICIS with more than 15 years of petrochemical experience. He currently has a management position leading the Americas content team but also retains primary analytical and forecasting responsibilities for select commodities in North America and Europe as well as global leadership of the ICIS supply and demand balance for methanol.

Josh earned two degrees as part of an International Business program at Mississippi State University, and an internship with the energy sourcing group at International Paper ignited a passion for oil, gas, and petrochemicals. Post-graduation, he joined the Mitsubishi Chemical procurement group and eventually rose to be the raw material manager for the Americas. Through this position, he collaborated with global colleagues to optimize the supply chains for key commodities.

Outside of work, Josh is an avid traveler, snowboarder, and runner. For the latter, he has run over a dozen half and full marathons while raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This December, he will complete the Memphis half marathon as the Houston-area team captain for St. Jude Heroes.

Dr. Deepak Parikh

Panelist