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People

The Methanol Institute (MI) has appointed Alexander Döll as its new Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Greg Dolan, who is retiring after nearly 30 years of service and leadership. Döll brings more than 25 years of international experience across the energy, chemicals, and sustainability sectors. He has held senior positions at leading companies such as Dow and OCI Global, with a strong focus on public affairs, policy, and commercial strategy. His career spans Europe, the United States, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia; regions that are key to the future of the methanol industry. Before this appointment, he served as MI’s Chief Operating Officer, helping to guide the organisation during a period of significant growth and momentum.

“I’m honoured to take on this role at such a dynamic time for our industry,” said Döll. “Methanol has secured a clear role in the global energy transition – as both a low-carbon and clean fuel and a vital chemical building block found in thousands of products that touch everyday life. What sets this industry apart is the strength of its entire value chain – from production to technology to end use. MI has a unique role in bringing those voices together, and I’m excited to build on that foundation to help move the industry forward, with the support of our committed members and MI’s incredible global team.”

The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (Iffco) has announced the appointment of K J Patel as its new Managing Director, succeeding Dr Udai Shanker Awasthi, who retired on July 31, 2025. Patel has a wealth of experience in the fertilizer and cooperative sectors and is expected to carry forward Iffco’s legacy of innovation, farmer empowerment, and global excellence. Retiring MD Dr Awasthi, 80, had been the longest serving CEO of a major fertilizer company, with more than 30 years as MD of Iffco. In a tribute to Dr Awasthi, Iffco said that he had “shaped Iffco’s trajectory, elevating it to unparalleled global prominence.” A chemical engineer from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Awasthi joined Iffco in Nov 1976, ascending through various pivotal roles before becoming its MD in 1993. He was instrumental in forging Iffco’s global footprint, with strategic investments in ICS Senegal, Oman, Jordan, and the UAE.

Prior to working with Iffco, Dr Awasthi worked at Shriram Chemical Industries in Kota, and joined Zuari Agro-Chemical in Goa, in 1971. After joining Iffco in 1976, he worked on the projects that led to the construction of the plants at Aonla and Hazira from 1976-1986. In that latter year, he also became Managing Director and Chairman of Pyrites, Phosphates and Chemicals Ltd. (PPCL). From April 1991 to March 1992, he was appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. (RCF), before returning to Iffco in 1993 as the company’s Managing Director, a position he held until this year.

Genesis Fertilizers says that Derek Penner has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Fertilizers GP Inc., the general partner of Genesis Fertilizers Limited Partnership (Genesis Fertilizers). The other members of the Board are Ian Craven, Kathy Jordi-son and Garth Whyte, all of whom are independent directors, and Jason Mann. Mr. Whyte is currently the Interim Chair of the Board. Penner is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and brings more than 20 years of senior financial, strategic and operational leadership experience in both Canada and international markets. n