Driving Global Growth, Operational Excellence, and Strategic Transformation
In a significant leadership milestone for the global specialty chemicals industry, Rohit Narang has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Aquapharm Chemical Limited, ushering in a new era of growth, innovation, and operational excellence for one of the world’s leading phosphonate manufacturers.
With more than two decades of experience spanning corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, commercial leadership, global P&L management, and business transformation, Rohit’s appointment reflects Aquapharm’s commitment to strengthening its position across international markets while accelerating sustainable growth initiatives.
Stepping Into the Role of Chief Executive Officer
As Chief Executive Officer of Aquapharm Chemical Limited, Rohit oversees a multi-hundred-million-dollar global business and leads a workforce of more than 750 employees across manufacturing and commercial operations in the United States, Saudi Arabia, and India.
His mandate includes:
- Driving enterprise-wide growth and profitability.
- Scaling global manufacturing operations.
- Strengthening customer relationships across key markets.
- Enhancing operational efficiency and business resilience.
- Expanding Aquapharm’s leadership in phosphonate technologies.
- Accelerating innovation and strategic investments.
- Building high-performing teams across geographies.
- Creating long-term value through sustainable growth.
His appointment highlights the increasing importance of leaders who combine strategic vision with execution excellence in a highly competitive global chemical landscape.
Leading Commercial Growth at Eastman
Before joining Aquapharm, Rohit served as Commercial Director at Eastman, where he was responsible for the company’s $650 million Coatings and Additives business.
In this role, he focused on:
- Full P&L responsibility for the business.
- Expanding market leadership in automotive and architectural segments.
- Strengthening Eastman’s position in Asia-Pacific and China.
- Developing organic and inorganic growth opportunities.
- Driving long-term commercial strategies.
His leadership helped reinforce Eastman’s competitive position in some of the industry’s most strategically important markets.
Driving Strategic Transactions and Portfolio Transformation
Rohit also served as Business Development & M&A Director, reporting directly to Eastman’s corporate development leadership.
During this period, he played a pivotal role in several landmark transactions, including:
- Successfully divesting Eastman’s Tires and Adhesives business valued at approximately $1.7 billion.
- Leading the acquisition of a strategic business in China to strengthen the Films portfolio.
- Supporting portfolio optimization and business transition initiatives.
These experiences further established his reputation as a leader capable of executing complex, high-value transactions.
Managing Growth Across Eastman’s Specialty Portfolio
Earlier, as M&A & Growth Director, Rohit led business development and inorganic growth initiatives across Eastman’s approximately $4.5 billion specialty portfolio.
His responsibilities included:
- Strategic partnerships.
- Mergers and acquisitions.
- Growth initiatives.
- Portfolio expansion.
- Corporate development activities.
Working closely with executive leadership, he helped shape long-term growth strategies that supported Eastman’s transformation agenda.
Global Business Leadership in Specialty Fluids
As Global Business & Marketing Director, Rohit managed the global P&L and marketing functions for Eastman’s $250 million Specialty Fluids business.
Among his key accomplishments:
- Successfully countered competitive pressures in China.
- Re-established leadership across Asia-Pacific markets.
- Led the acquisition of Marlotherm from Sasol.
- Expanded the product portfolio through innovation.
- Introduced differentiated product blends that improved margins.
His ability to blend commercial strategy with product innovation helped drive sustained growth.
Building Growth Strategies Across Asia
During his assignment as Market Development Director based in Singapore, Rohit focused on expanding Eastman’s specialty portfolio throughout Asia.
He led initiatives involving:
- Organic growth strategies.
- Strategic partnerships.
- Joint ventures.
- Merger and acquisition opportunities.
- Market expansion across emerging economies.
This experience gave him deep exposure to the region’s evolving business landscape and customer dynamics.
Strategic Foundations at Solutia
Prior to Eastman, Rohit served as Manager – Corporate Strategy & Business Development at Solutia Inc.
His contributions included:
- Developing strategic growth plans for businesses ranging from $150 million to $800 million in revenue.
- Supporting expansion into emerging markets including China and Brazil.
- Conducting valuation analyses and synergy assessments.
- Participating in buy-side and sell-side transactions.
- Building financial and acquisition models.
These experiences strengthened his expertise in corporate strategy and M&A.
Early Career in Technology and Telecommunications
Rohit’s professional journey began in the telecommunications industry.
At Siemens AG, he spent five years leading telecom projects across:
- India.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Bangladesh.
- Afghanistan.
- The United States Midwest region.
As a project manager and technical consultant, he developed strong capabilities in:
- Project execution.
- Cross-cultural leadership.
- Technology implementation.
- Global stakeholder management.
He also worked with Hutchison as a Project Engineer and completed a corporate planning internship at Emerson Electric, experiences that helped shape his multidisciplinary leadership approach.
Leadership Philosophy: Strategy, Growth, and Execution
Throughout his career, Rohit Narang has embraced several principles that define his leadership style:
Growth Requires Strategic Thinking
Sustainable expansion is built on long-term vision, disciplined execution, and continuous innovation.
Global Perspective Creates Competitive Advantage
Success in international markets requires understanding diverse customers, cultures, and business ecosystems.
Transformation Must Deliver Value
Whether through acquisitions, portfolio optimization, or operational improvements, change must create measurable impact.
People Drive Performance
Strong teams and empowered leaders remain the foundation of organizational success.
Shaping the Future of Aquapharm Chemical Limited
As global industries increasingly demand sustainable, high-performance specialty chemicals, Aquapharm is positioned to capitalize on significant growth opportunities.
Under Rohit Narang’s leadership, the company is expected to strengthen its international presence, expand innovation capabilities, and continue delivering value to customers across multiple industries.
His broad experience across commercial leadership, M&A, portfolio management, and global operations makes him uniquely positioned to guide Aquapharm into its next phase of growth.
CXO Gateway Reflection
At CXO Gateway, we view Rohit Narang’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer at Aquapharm Chemical Limited as an important development in the specialty chemicals sector.
From managing global telecom projects to leading billion-dollar portfolios and transformative transactions, Rohit’s career exemplifies strategic leadership, operational excellence, and global business acumen.
As Aquapharm continues to strengthen its position as a leading player in phosphonate technologies, leaders like Rohit Narang will play a crucial role in shaping the future of innovation, growth, and sustainability across the global chemicals industry.