Sameer Ralhan

Sameer strongly believes in the discipline of cash flow generation, operational efficiency, and the power of transformation to drive organic growth. He’s focusing on investments and Chemours portfolio growth—and a commitment to fostering a company culture of collective entrepreneurship.

Q: What is unique about your career?

A: I've certainly followed a very non-linear career trajectory. My career has gone through a lot of twists and turns. I've worked in investment banking as well as the chemical industry. My upbringing—amid the unrest in Punjab, India—led me to wonder "What leads humans to do certain things?" I found answers by studying the connection between human behavior and economic conditions.

Q: What's your best career advice?

A: Take pride. Take ownership. Have a point of view. If you do that, you will be successful in your life and career.

Q: What's your favorite pastime?

A: Every minute I’m not working, I’m with my kids and my wife. That’s important to me. I also love to read. But that’s only after my family goes to bed.

Q: What's something people are surprised to learn about you?

A: I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I can whip up some amazing curries and kabobs.

Biography

While he began his career as a chemical engineer working in chemical plants near the U.S. Gulf Coast, Sameer wanted to better understand the economics of the industry in which he worked. He returned to school to earn an MBA, left the chemistry industry, and worked for 10 years in investment banking first at Bank of America and later, Goldman Sachs. He advised companies in the chemicals and basic materials sectors on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), portfolio transformations, corporate finance, and capital market transactions.

He learned many lessons about corporate decision-making, gaining firsthand knowledge of how companies and management teams make big, strategic decisions. Sameer recognized the critical importance of avoiding shortsighted thinking.

Sameer joined Chemours in 2014. Armed with an engineer’s understanding of the chemical industry, an appreciation of organization, and a Wall Street professional’s knowledge of finance, he has held positions of increasing responsibility across strategy, M&A, portfolio transformation, corporate finance matters, and capital markets transactions. He served as a key member of the executive team that led the company’s five-point transformation plan, assuming direct responsibility for leading portfolio transformation, divestiture efforts, and financing activities.

Sameer holds a Bachelor of Technology in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay, India, a Master of Science and a Doctorate of Philosophy in chemical engineering from Rice University in Houston, Texas, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in Chicago, Illinois.