Plastics Europe, the Pan-European trade association representing plastics manufacturers, today announces the appointment of Rob Ingram, CEO of INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe, as its President, effective 1 January 2026. Ingram succeeds Benny Mermans, Vice President Sustainability at Chevron Phillips Chemical, and will spearhead efforts to drive circularity and strengthen the competitiveness of Europe’s plastics industry.
Virginia Janssens, Managing Director of Plastics Europe, expressed gratitude for Mermans’ decades-long contribution to the sector and confidence in Ingram’s leadership, which will focus on progressing The Plastics Transition – Plastics Europe’s roadmap to make 65% of plastics in Europe circular and climate-neutral by 2050. Published in November 2023, this landmark initiative marked the first time the industry had united behind such a bold strategy to redesign the European plastics system.
“Benny has been a driving force for our industry over an impressive career spanning more than 30 years, and we are deeply grateful for his leadership and commitment. At the same time, I am confident that Rob will build on the strong foundation of his predecessors. It is particularly fitting that Rob assumes the presidency at a time when achieving our ambitious transition goals is becoming more challenging. As Chair of our Transition Roadmap Committee, Rob worked tirelessly with a wide range of stakeholders to turn a bold vision into a credible and realistic pathway for our industry. I am certain he will bring the same drive, determination and collaborative spirit to his role as President.”
Virginia Janssens
“I am honoured to take on this role at a pivotal moment for our industry. Two years ago, we set out a clear vision for a sustainable plastics system in Europe. Since then, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with unprecedented pressure on our competitiveness. Yet our ambition remains unchanged. We have the vision, expertise, innovation and capability to deliver a circular plastics system—but success will require action across the entire value chain with urgent policy measures needed to safeguard this strategically vital industry for Europe and to help our industry back on track for Europe’s much needed circularity. I look forward to working with policymakers, industry partners and all stakeholders to build our joint vision.”
Rob Ingram – Plastics Europe’s new President
Rob Ingram brings a wealth of corporate and leadership expertise to this role. With more than three decades in the chemicals and plastics sector, he has held senior commercial and executive positions across complex, multinational operations, before becoming the CEO of INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe in 2018.
At its General Assembly of 17 December 2025, Plastics Europe also elected three Vice Presidents:
- Stephanie Kalil, Commercial Vice President for Packaging & Specialty Plastics at Dow
- Craig Arnold, Executive Vice President – Polyolefins, Base Chemicals (HC&E) & Circular Economy Solutions at Borealis
- Lauren Kjelsen, Member of the Executive Board & Chief Operating Officer Custom Solutions at Evonik
