The Dearth file
Randall Dearth
President and CEO
Lanxess Corp.
Born: Warren, Ohio
Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Hiram College; master’s degree in polymer science and engineering from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland
What are traits of a good leader?
A focus on results, an ability to network, staying true to who you are. Treat people with respect and understanding. Diversify your experiences. Take a chance. Try something new. Surround yourself with great people.
What’s the most important thing a leader has to do?
Communicate.
Dearth on company culture: Last September, Lanxess was a corporate sponsor of a Pittsburgh Penguins preseason game, and Dearth immediately thought of his employees.
“By being a corporate sponsor, we received tickets to the game. We could have given those tickets all to customers or donated them, but I thought it would be a better idea to give each employee two tickets and they could bring their spouse, their significant other, or their kid or friend. I think 80 percent of our employees here in Pittsburgh came to the game, and we had T-shirts made for them and their guests, and we celebrated Lanxess, and we celebrated Pittsburgh, and the employees are still excited about that.
“Culture is extremely important. Fun is also important to culture. When employees come into work, yes we have work to do, yes we have our challenges, but I want them to also see a sense of fulfillment and fun that makes them feel like this is truly the place that I want to be. The CEO plays a big part of that.”
