Eastman Chemical Company Appoints Damon Audia to Board of Directors, Strengthening Strategic and Financial Leadership
The Board of Directors of Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN) has officially announced the appointment of Mr. Damon Audia as its newest director, marking a significant addition to the company’s leadership team. Audia, who currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO), brings with him more than two decades of experience in financial leadership across multiple industrial sectors. His expertise is expected to further support Eastman’s long-term strategic initiatives, innovation agenda, and financial performance goals.
A Leader with Proven Financial and Strategic Acumen
“On behalf of our Board and management team, I am delighted to welcome Damon Audia as a member of our Board of Directors,” said Mark Costa, Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Eastman. “Damon’s impressive background in finance and deep understanding of complex global industries will prove invaluable as we continue to strengthen our market leadership and drive transformative growth across our business segments. His leadership in both established and rapidly evolving industries such as automotive and agriculture aligns well with Eastman’s diversified customer base and forward-looking innovation strategy.”
Mr. Audia joined AGCO Corporation in 2022 and currently holds the role of Chief Financial Officer. AGCO is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of agricultural equipment and precision farming technologies, generating approximately $11.7 billion in annual revenue. In his role at AGCO, Audia has been instrumental in reshaping the company’s financial strategy, improving operational efficiencies, and aligning financial planning with AGCO’s vision for global sustainability and digital innovation in agriculture.
Before joining AGCO, Audia served in a variety of senior financial roles at major manufacturing and industrial firms. He was Senior Vice President and CFO of Kennametal Inc., where he played a key role in executing the company’s global restructuring and transformation initiatives. Prior to that, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Carpenter Technology Corporation, a leader in advanced alloys and materials engineered for performance-critical applications. Earlier in his career, Audia spent nearly a decade with The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in roles of increasing responsibility, including Vice President of Finance for the company’s North American Tire business.
Audia began his professional journey in the automotive industry, holding financial and strategic roles with both Delphi Corporation and General Motors. His early exposure to the manufacturing and automotive sectors gave him valuable experience in managing capital-intensive operations, navigating global supply chains, and leading teams through organizational change.
Academically, Audia holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of Michigan.
Strengthening Eastman’s Board with Diverse Industry Insight
Audia’s appointment underscores Eastman’s commitment to strengthening its governance with leaders who bring diverse and complementary perspectives to the boardroom. His broad experience in finance, capital markets, business transformation, and industry-specific operations will enhance the board’s ability to oversee Eastman’s strategic direction and long-term value creation for shareholders.
His cross-sector experience, particularly in agriculture and automotive—two of Eastman’s key end markets—will help sharpen the company’s focus on growth opportunities, sustainable innovation, and customer-driven product development. Audia’s leadership in navigating economic cycles, deploying financial discipline, and supporting corporate sustainability will also be instrumental as Eastman advances its innovation-driven growth model.
About Eastman: Innovation for a Sustainable Future
Founded more than a century ago in 1920, Eastman Chemical Company has evolved into a global specialty materials leader, known for its robust innovation pipeline, strong sustainability profile, and commitment to improving quality of life through material science. The company’s mission is grounded in delivering value to customers through differentiated products and solutions that meet the evolving demands of industries worldwide.
Headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people globally and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company operates a diverse portfolio of businesses serving end markets such as transportation, building and construction, personal care, electronics, textiles, and consumables. Its technology platforms and applications range from specialty plastics and advanced coatings to additives, adhesives, and sustainable materials.
In 2024, Eastman reported revenues of approximately $9.4 billion, a reflection of the company’s resilient business model and its ability to adapt to market fluctuations while continuing to invest in growth and sustainability. Through its vertically integrated operations, Eastman leverages world-class manufacturing assets and advanced research and development capabilities to provide performance-enhancing solutions to customers around the globe.
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
As global industries increasingly prioritize circular economy models and climate-conscious operations, Eastman has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable innovation. The company is advancing its molecular recycling technologies and working toward a future where waste is minimized, resources are used more efficiently, and the environmental footprint of materials is drastically reduced.
Eastman’s recent initiatives include investments in large-scale plastic-to-plastic recycling technologies, product innovations designed for recyclability, and partnerships aimed at accelerating the adoption of circular solutions. The company’s carbon-neutrality goals and its leadership in eco-efficient product development demonstrate its alignment with the expectations of today’s environmentally conscious consumers and investors.
The appointment of a leader like Damon Audia reinforces this commitment to smart, sustainable growth. His financial leadership and experience managing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations in corporate strategy will play a vital role as Eastman continues to strengthen its sustainability credentials while pursuing operational excellence.
Eastman’s decision to expand its board with a seasoned financial executive reflects the company’s proactive approach to governance, innovation, and stakeholder value. With global economic conditions rapidly evolving, the presence of a director who can provide strategic guidance across finance, industry trends, and operational resilience is more critical than ever.
Damon Audia’s addition to Eastman’s Board of Directors brings not just financial insight, but also a forward-looking leadership perspective shaped by years of experience in driving performance and transformation across global organizations. As Eastman continues to build momentum in specialty materials and sustainable innovation, the leadership and direction of its Board will be a cornerstone of the company’s success.
For additional information about Eastman Chemical Company, its leadership, and its strategic initiatives, please visit the company’s official website at www.eastman.com.
