Honeywell International Inc. has announced the appointment of David Sewell as president and chief executive officer of its advanced materials business, a division poised for spin-off into a standalone company titled Solstice Advanced Materials by late 2025 or early 2026. This decision aligns with Honeywell’s strategy to streamline its operations, which will also involve separating its aerospace and automation sectors, marking a significant transformation in one of America’s remaining conglomerates.

The spin-off, initially disclosed in October 2023, focuses on developing sustainable specialty chemicals and materials, reflecting a growing emphasis on environmentally responsible practices within the industry. Sewell’s extensive background—spanning over three decades in the materials and chemicals sectors—positions him well for this new role. He previously served as CEO of WestRock Company, a packaging firm acquired by Smurfit Kappa in an $11 billion transaction.

In addition to Sewell’s appointment, Honeywell has announced that Tina Pierce, a long-serving insider with over 25 years at the company, will serve as the chief financial officer of Solstice Advanced Materials, effective May 1. She currently holds the CFO position in the industrial automation segment and is expected to maintain her role post-spin-off. Furthermore, Rajeev Gautam has been appointed as the non-executive chairman of the board, set to take effect upon the completion of the spin-off.

Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapur expressed confidence in the leadership team, stating, "Rajeev's 43-year career as a leader in Honeywell's process technologies and advanced materials businesses, combined with David's experience overseeing a multi-year transformation strategy as CEO of a publicly traded company make them the ideal leaders."

The new Solstice Advanced Materials headquarters will be located in Morris Plains, New Jersey, emphasizing Honeywell's commitment to enhancing its focus on sustainable materials innovation in the years to come.