AI-First: Rewiring a 150-Year-Old Industrial Manufacturer [CXOTalk]

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How does a 150-year-old industrial manufacturer reinvent itself as an AI first company? In CXOTalk episode 901, Hexion President and CEO Michael Lefenfeld discusses how the global chemicals and materials producer is rewiring its business model, operations, and culture around data and artificial intelligence.

Hexion’s roots stretch back more than a century, yet it now competes on digital speed, intelligent automation, and science-driven innovation. Lefenfeld describes the company’s efforts to embed AI into manufacturing, supply chain, customer engagement, and product development—while still meeting industrial expectations for safety, reliability, and sustainability.

Topics we cover include:

Why Hexion chose an AI first strategy and how it connects to business growth and sustainability
Rewiring manufacturing with autonomous and predictive capabilities
Using AI and advanced analytics to improve safety, quality, yield, and energy efficiency
Building the data, platform, and organizational foundations for AI at scale
Managing talent, culture, and change in a traditional industrial setting
Lessons learned, pitfalls to avoid, and practical advice for other established manufacturers

This episode provides practical, experience-based insights into what it takes to transform an industrial incumbent into an AI-driven, innovation-led enterprise.

Join the live conversation to learn, share your views, and ask questions!

DATE: Friday, November 21
TIME: 10am PT / 1pm ET

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Episode Participants

Michael Lefenfeld is President and Chief Executive Officer at Hexion Inc. He is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hexion Inc. and serves as a member of the Board of Managers for ASP Resins Holdings LP. Michael joined Hexion in January 2023.

Michael Krigsman is a globally recognized analyst, strategic advisor, and industry commentator known for his deep business transformation, innovation, and leadership expertise. He has presented at industry events worldwide and written extensively on the reasons for IT failures. His work has been referenced in the media over 1,000 times and in more than 50 books and journal articles; his commentary on technology trends and business strategy reaches a global audience.