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Braskem, one of the largest petrochemical companies in Latin America, is about to enter a new phase in its management. Novonor, the company’s controlling shareholder, announced that Roberto Prisco Paraiso Ramos will succeed Roberto Bischoff, who will step down from his position at the end of this month. Bischoff leaves behind a legacy of innovation and expansion, despite the severe challenges facing the petrochemical sector, including price fluctuations and growing pressure for sustainability.
At the helm of Braskem, Bischoff led a series of strategic advances. Among his greatest achievements is the expansion of the production of green ethylene, an innovative technology that positions Braskem as a leader in the production of biopolymers. He was also a key player in the construction of the Ethane Receiving Terminal (TQPM) in Mexico, a project that is already 88% complete and is one of the company's bets to strengthen its production chain.
In a strategic partnership with Thailand's SCG Chemicals, Bischoff promoted the internationalization of Braskem and consolidated its global presence, focusing on market diversification and operational security.
Roberto Prisco Paraiso Ramos: Novonor's bet to lead the new phase at Braskem
Roberto Prisco Paraiso Ramos is not new to Braskem or the Novonor universe. He worked at the company from 2002 to 2010 as vice president, where he led the ambitious Ethylene XXI Project in Mexico – an initiative that marked Braskem’s expansion into the international market and consolidated its strategic presence in Latin America.
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Most recently, Ramos served as CEO of Ocyan, where he was a key player in the restructuring of Novonor’s oil and gas portfolio. He led the divestment process of Ocyan, selling the company to the American fund EIG and Lake Capital, a transaction that helped strengthen the group’s finances and marked Novonor’s exit from the oil and gas sector.
Now, his appointment as CEO of Braskem is seen as a strategic move by Novonor to consolidate the group's restructuring and prepare the company for the possible entry of new partners.
Search for a new partner and ongoing negotiations
The arrival of Roberto Prisco Paraiso Ramos at Braskem comes at a time when Novonor is seeking a strategic partner for its petrochemicals business. Over the past two years, the company has received offers from major global players, including Apollo, Adnoc and Unipar. Although Apollo pulled out of the deal in September last year, Braskem remains an attractive asset in the market, and discussions with potential investors are ongoing.
To consolidate his position, the new CEO will have to balance the expansion of projects, such as the Ethane Receiving Terminal in Mexico, with the search for sustainable solutions that follow global decarbonization trends. The challenge is immense, but Prisco Ramos has already demonstrated his ability to lead complex changes and achieve strategic results.
The role of the board and next steps
The appointment of Roberto Prisco Paraiso Ramos will still be subject to approval by Braskem's board of directors, a formality that should occur in the coming days. The expectation is that his experience, both in the petrochemical sector and in divestment processes, will help Braskem reach a new phase of growth and stability.
With a career marked by transformations and restructuring, Ramos arrives at Braskem as the name that Novonor is betting on to make a difference. After all, it is not just about leading a petrochemical giant, but about writing the next chapter of one of the largest companies in the sector in Latin America, at a time of transition and high market expectations.
In short…this is the famous ODEBRECHT…only the name has changed.
Companies such as Braskem, Embraer, Vale, etc., should always be included in the strategic decision-making levels of our country. This has nothing to do with nationalization, but rather with ensuring independence in mapping out and defining the future of our nation.