Greek Australian Andrew Liveris is set to lead a $US160 billion ($221.3b) agricultural behemoth, as Dow Chemical and DuPont enter late-stage talks in a deal to create the world’s second-largest chemicals company.
Mr Liveris is the mastermind behind the Hellenic Initiative (THI), a global non-profit organisation whose mission is to mobilise the Greek diaspora to support sustainable economic renewal and crisis relief for Greece and its people.
Currently Dow’s chief executive, Mr Liveris is expected to be executive chairman of the new company, with DuPont chief executive Edward Breen keeping that title.
Mr Liveris has enjoyed much success as the head of Dow, leading the company’s recovery from near-insolvency during the financial crisis.
The chemical giants, which have a market capitalisation of about $US60b each, could announce a merger in coming days, according to The Wall Street Journal.
