Olin Corporations’ Ken Lane
April 3, 2026
Mr. Kenneth T. Lane delivered the Wilbur O. and Ann W. Powers Distinguished Lecture for Excellence in Civil Engineering on Friday, April 3, 2026 at Clemson University’s Watt Center auditorium. This lecture was held at 11:15 a.m. with a reception afterwards. Mr. Lane’s distinguished lecture was titled “Engineering Your Future: Choices, Chemistry, and Connection” and was hosted by the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering.
Ken Lane is a Clemson civil engineering graduate and President & CEO of Olin Corporation. He shared insights from his dynamic journey from Clemson to Corporate CEO. In this engaging presentation, Ken shared pivotal moments, hard-won insights, and the transformative role that engineering and chemistry play in our daily lives. Students gained inspiration from his experiences as he discussed how embracing unexpected turns, adapting to change, and fueling your curiosity can lead to rewarding opportunities. Mr. Lane provided a unique opportunity to engage with a Fortune 1000 CEO, connect with fellow students, and ignite enthusiasm for engineering and innovation.
Ken Lane was appointed Olin’s President & Chief Executive Officer by Olin’s Board of Directors in March 2024. Prior to joining Olin, Ken worked at LyondellBasell, one of the world’s largest plastics, chemicals, and refining companies, where he served as Executive Vice President of Global Olefins and Polyolefins and interim CEO. Before LyondellBasell, Ken spent 13 years at BASF in senior executive roles across various sectors including Polyurethanes and Catalysts. Prior to BASF, he held strategy, commercial, operations, and technical positions at BP Chemicals and Amoco Chemical Corporation. Ken’s career includes extensive international experience in the US, Malaysia, the UK, China, and Belgium.
Ken holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Clemson University and a Master of Science in Management from the University of Alabama Huntsville.
