Sylvie Lemoine
Brussels
Summary
Strategic executive with 25 years of leadership in the European chemical industry, including multinational corporations and trade associations. Expertise in industrial policy, government affairs, regulatory strategy, and sustainability, with a strong focus on policy influence and industry advocacy. Established Brussels stakeholder network and in-depth knowledge of EU policies and chemicals legislation. Advisor to leadership teams, adept at navigating regulatory landscapes and fostering strategic partnerships.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Director General & Executive Director Industrial Policy
Cefic
Brussels
06.2023 - Current
- Partner with the Director General to shape and execute Cefic's strategic vision, organizational priorities, and long-term industry agenda, serving as Acting Director General when required.
- Provide executive leadership across the Industrial Policy Programme Council and oversee the Finance and IT functions, leading multidisciplinary teams and ensuring operational excellence.
- Advise and engage the Cefic Board, participate in Board governance, and lead Board meetings on behalf of the Director General.
- Direct Cefic's engagement with the EU Critical Chemicals Alliance, working closely with Board members and cross-functional teams to advance Europe's industrial competitiveness agenda.
- Led development and advancement of key policy initiatives, including Antwerp Declaration, and redefined Cefic's trade policy strategy to enhance European chemical industry's competitive position.
- Represent Cefic at the highest levels of the European institutions, engaging with European Commissioners, policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, media, and external stakeholders to advocate for strategic policy priorities.
- Provide governance and strategic oversight for the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) Extended Secretariat, including Board preparation, organizational positioning, governance, strategic priorities, and the merger with the World Plastics Council.
- Represent the global chemical industry in international negotiations, including the UN Global Plastics Treaty and the Global Framework on Chemicals, influencing the development of international sustainability and regulatory frameworks.
Executive Director Product Stewardship
Cefic
Brussels
01.2019 - 12.2023
- Provided executive leadership and strategic direction for Cefic's Product Stewardship function, shaping industry positions on European and international chemicals legislation while guiding senior staff and member companies.
- Directed policy and regulatory strategy across legislative frameworks, including REACH, CLP/GHS, chemical hazard and risk assessment, product legislation, circular economy initiatives, and international chemicals conventions, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
- Strengthened and expanded relationships with European Commission officials, Member State authorities, ECHA, and key regulatory stakeholders, influencing policy development and implementation outcomes.
- Led the strategic reorganization of an 18-member department, enhancing operational effectiveness, cross-functional collaboration, and organizational performance.
- Led ICCA delegation during UN Global Framework on Chemicals negotiations (ICCM-5, Bonn), representing global industry interests and advocating for favorable policy positions.
Senior Government Affairs Manager
The Dow Chemical Company - Dow Corning
Brussels
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Directed EU government affairs strategy to safeguard Dow's short- and long-term business interests, with a primary focus on REACH, silicones, and microplastics policy.
- Led advocacy initiatives on chemicals management, coordinating cross-functional teams to advance Dow's policy priorities and enhance regulatory influence.
- Drove alignment between Dow's global and regional teams and key industry associations, representing the company through Cefic and AmChamEU to enhance external policy influence and outcomes.
- Monitored and assessed emerging EU regulatory and policy developments, facilitating proactive business planning and informed strategic decision-making.
- Served as a trusted advisor to senior leadership across Europe and the United States on regulatory, legislative, and public policy matters affecting the business.
Director Technical and Regulatory Affairs / Interim Director General
A.I.S.E. International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance products
Brussels
04.2007 - 12.2015
- Assumed full operational leadership of the Association as Interim Director General during the Director General's six-month absence, ensuring organizational continuity and effective management of a 15-person team.
- Directed the Association's product stewardship, scientific, regulatory, sustainability, and advocacy agenda, providing strategic leadership across REACH, CLP, Biocides, and broader EU product legislation while leading a team of five professionals.
- Identified emerging regulatory developments, risks, and opportunities; established strategic priorities and response plans to align with Association objectives and member interests.
- Developed, aligned, and advanced industry policy positions, representing the sector in regulatory and legislative discussions with key stakeholders.
- Served as a principal spokesperson in engagements with the media, regulatory authorities, and external stakeholders on technical and policy matters.
- Chaired Downstream Users of Chemicals Coordination Group (DUCC); facilitated collaboration and alignment among industry stakeholders on regulatory priorities.
- Represented A.I.S.E. and DUCC at meetings with European competent authorities, strengthening the industry's voice in regulatory decision-making.
- Fostered strategic partnerships and coordinated regulatory initiatives with sister organizations in United States and Asia to promote international alignment on chemical policy and product stewardship.
Product Stewardship and Regulatory Affairs Advisor
ExxonMobil Chemical
Brussels
01.2003 - 03.2007
- Spearheaded the organization's early implementation of the EU REACH Regulation, ensuring regulatory compliance while minimizing business disruption.
- Directed regulatory strategy and provided executive guidance on chemicals policy, industrial solvents, air quality, phthalates, and emerging regulatory developments, ensuring alignment with business objectives and long-term growth.
- Led business impact assessments and developed strategic regulatory plans to enable informed decision-making and proactive risk management.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of toxicologists, ecotoxicologists, scientists, and technical experts to resolve complex regulatory and product stewardship challenges, ensuring compliance and promoting best practices.
- Enhanced corporate product stewardship frameworks by implementing robust governance and compliance processes, aligning practices with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Chaired Cefic European Solvents Industry Group, fostering industry collaboration and advocating for policy changes while engaging stakeholders across European chemicals sector.
Market Development Support
ExxonMobil Chemical
Brussels
01.1998 - 01.2003
- Identified and developed new market opportunities for high-value product portfolios, resulting in increased market share and revenue growth.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Marketing, and Business Leadership, to shape commercial strategies, support product launches, and contribute to business planning.
- Coordinated strategic European customer accounts, aligning regional business functions to support sustainable growth and strengthen customer relationships.
- Delivered technical and commercial support to key customers, strengthening strategic relationships and driving customer success.
- Designed and delivered technical training programs that enhanced capabilities of European sales teams, leading to improved customer engagement and satisfaction.
Analytical Lab Supervisor (R&D)
ExxonMobil Chemical
Brussels
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Directed development and implementation of advanced analytical methodologies, overseeing evaluation and acquisition of laboratory technologies to enhance R&D capabilities and expedite problem-solving.
- Led and developed high-performing team of five analytical laboratory technicians, emphasizing technical excellence and collaboration to achieve continuous improvement.
- Supported international innovation initiatives and competitive product assessments by providing technical expertise and analytical insights to cross-functional teams.
Education
Ph.D. - organic chemistry
Louis Pasteur University
Strasbourg, France01-1996
Chemical Engineer - Chemical Engineering
Ecole Européenne De Chimie, Polymères Et Matériaux
Strasbourg, France01-1992
Skills
- Government Affairs
- Regulatory Affairs
- Public policy advocacy
- Chemical Compliance
- Sustainability Strategy
- Executive Leadership
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Strategic Thinking
- Decision-Making
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Influencing & Negotiation
- Relationship Building
- Consensus Building
- Executive communication
Nationalities
- French
- Belgian
Languages
- French, native
- English, proficient
- German, independent
- Dutch, independent
Hobbies and Interests
- Scuba diving: level 1 instructor and president of a diving club
- Sports (swimming, running, ski)
- First Aid qualified
Motivations
- Committed to advancing a strong, unified Europe founded on democratic values, collaboration, and sustainable economic growth.
- Passionate about strengthening industrial competitiveness, recognizing that a thriving chemical industry is fundamental to innovation, economic resilience, and societal prosperity.
- Driven by the transformative power of chemistry to deliver sustainable solutions, foster innovation, and create lasting value for industry and society.
Personal Information
- 25+ years of executive leadership across the European chemical industry
- Deep expertise in EU industrial policy, government affairs, and regulatory strategy
- Trusted advisor to boards, policymakers, and international stakeholders
- Extensive experience leading strategic transformation and industry advocacy
Timeline
Deputy Director General & Executive Director Industrial Policy
Cefic
06.2023 - Current
Executive Director Product Stewardship
Cefic
01.2019 - 12.2023
Senior Government Affairs Manager
The Dow Chemical Company - Dow Corning
01.2016 - 12.2018
Director Technical and Regulatory Affairs / Interim Director General
A.I.S.E. International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance products
04.2007 - 12.2015
Product Stewardship and Regulatory Affairs Advisor
ExxonMobil Chemical
01.2003 - 03.2007
Market Development Support
ExxonMobil Chemical
01.1998 - 01.2003
Analytical Lab Supervisor (R&D)
ExxonMobil Chemical
01.1996 - 01.1998
Ph.D. - organic chemistry
Louis Pasteur University
Chemical Engineer - Chemical Engineering
Ecole Européenne De Chimie, Polymères Et Matériaux