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Covestro Innovation Management

September 7, 2017

Covestro LLC taps entrepreneur to head innovation management in North America

Company demonstrates strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship


News provided by

Covestro LLC

Sep 06, 2017, 11:03 ET


PITTSBURGH, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Covestro LLC appointed veteran entrepreneur Currie Crookston to the newly created position of head of innovation management. Crookston will be responsible for driving global innovation strategy in North America, primarily by assisting the company’s three business units in creating new opportunities beyond their core R&D efforts.

Crookston brings a diverse background to Covestro. He spent the first eight years of his career as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy SEALs, then worked as an associate at A.T. Kearney. Crookston then went on to launch four businesses—including PetsDx, Allegheny Development Partners and Riverfront 47—and develop several patents. He received an MBA in business from the University of Virginia.

“Currie’s unique background not only demonstrates a strong passion for innovation, but a personal drive for success—a combination that will serve him well in this role,” said Jerry MacCleary, president of Covestro LLC. “As Covestro strengthens its focus on cultivating innovation and building an entrepreneurial culture, I’m confident we have the right person leading this effort in North America.”

Crookston’s appointment builds on a series of activities that further demonstrate the company’s commitment to invest in innovation. Recently, Covestro launched a global initiative, called the Start-up Challenge, which Crookston helped to champion in North America. This internal competition encourages Covestro employees to submit innovative ideas and collaborate with others to fully develop their projects. One winning team will receive funding to take its idea from concept to reality.

Covestro also partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme to launch Young Champions of the Earth. Through this initiative, Covestro is tapping a global audience for environmental solutions, mentoring recently announced champions and providing seed funding for them to bring their big ideas to life.

“These investments signal a company that is serious about innovation,” said Crookston. “That’s what drew me to Covestro; what will keep me here is the energy and excitement surrounding innovation. I’m looking forward to using my skills and experience to help capitalize on that excitement and, ultimately, grow the business in new and different ways.”

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/covestro-llc-taps-entrepreneur-to-head-innovation-management-in-north-america-300514799.html

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