James A. Faunce, Ph.D., is a seasoned executive renowned for his transformative leadership in R&D and supply chain management. With a career spanning over two decades at Stepan Company, James has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive innovation, strategic development, and organizational excellence. His expertise in setting R&D and quality strategies has been pivotal in aligning cross-functional teams to achieve corporate objectives. Through strategic mapping exercises, James has effectively prioritized project portfolios, resulting in the successful commercialization of multiple patented technologies. He has been instrumental in developing processes to analyze and improve the financial returns of customer-specific projects, driving substantial growth and innovation within the organization.
James’s commitment to quality transformation is evident in his leadership of programs that have significantly enhanced key process indicators, such as reducing scrap, eliminating cross-contamination, and improving microbial control in finished products. His strategic direction has led to notable improvements in supply chain metrics and overall operational efficiency. As a global R&D leader, James has managed diverse teams across North America, LATAM, Mercosur, and Asia-Pacific, successfully integrating R&D with quality functions to ensure stable operations and seamless new product introductions.
James’s extensive experience includes leading major initiatives with multi-national companies, guiding technical transitions during acquisitions, and spearheading Stepan’s entry into new market areas. His background in polymer and surfactant technologies has resulted in the development of commercially proven innovations that have significantly contributed to the company’s growth. Holding a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Northwestern University, along with an M.S. in Chemistry and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan, James combines his profound scientific knowledge with strategic business acumen.
Throughout his career, James A. Faunce has exemplified leadership, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, making him a valuable asset in the fields of research, development, and supply chain management.
Character: James A. Faunce is a visionary leader known for his transformative approach, consistently driving organizational excellence and innovation.
Knowledge: With a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry and extensive experience in R&D and supply chain management, James combines deep scientific expertise with strategic business insights.
Strategic: James has a proven track record in setting effective R&D and quality strategies, prioritizing project portfolios, and leading corporate transformations to achieve significant improvements in financial returns and operational efficiency.
Communication: As an executive, James excels in cross-functional team collaboration, effectively integrating diverse teams and guiding major initiatives with multi-national companies.
