Adam Warren
Adam Warren is Vice President of Research & Development for Henkel Consumer Brands. He joined Henkel in 2013 and has since played a key role in advancing innovation across multiple product categories. Before joining Henkel, Adam spent twelve years at Procter & Gamble, where he gained extensive experience in Laundry & Home Care, Beauty Care, Baby Care, and Nutraceuticals.
Adam holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from Cornell University. He lives in Connecticut with his wife and three children.
Monday December 8
Sustainability & Product Stewardship Council & Young Professionals Committee Education Session
Skills for the Future: Preparing Chemists for Sustainable Chemistry Innovation in the Household and Commercial Products Industry
As the demand for sustainable and safer products continues to grow, the household and commercial products industry faces increasing pressure to innovate with better chemistry – delivering solutions that are not only high-performing and cost-effective, but also safer and more sustainable. This session, co-sponsored by the Sustainability & Product Stewardship Council and HCPA’s Young Professionals Committee, will explore the evolving chemistry skillsets and tools required to meet these challenges head-on and what the next generation of chemists should look like.
Through a dynamic panel discussion, industry leaders and green chemistry advocates will address key questions, including:
- What technical and cross-functional skills are most valuable for chemists working in sustainability-related roles today?
- How are companies redefining product development goals to meet performance, cost, and sustainability targets – and what does that mean for talent development?
- What professional development resources currently exist for formulation chemists, and where are the gaps in preparing the next generation of innovators?
- Are the tools for greener formulation, such as LCA platforms, predictive toxicology models, and safer chemistry databases, keeping pace with industry needs?
Panelists will draw on real-world experience to illustrate how hybrid skills (technical expertise, communication, and regulatory awareness) are critical to driving sustainable chemistry innovation. Participants will also learn about current resources available through the American Chemical Society (ACS) Green Chemistry Institute (e.g., GChELP, Summer School, workshops) and have the opportunity to shape future offerings by sharing their needs and insights.
Whether you're a new professional navigating your career path or a leader shaping your organization's sustainability strategy, this session will offer practical guidance, tools, and inspiration for the journey ahead.
Moderator:
Adelina Voutchkova, Director of Sustainable Development, American Chemical Society
Speakers:
Lisa Dreilinger, Global Head of Regulatory, Arxada
Meghan Lieb, Vice President, Global Research & Development, WD-40 Company
Adam Warren, Vice President, Global Development, Henkel