Cabot Corporation reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $1.67, up 4% sequentially, as stronger Performance Chemicals results offset weaker Reinforcement Materials earnings. The company narrowed its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $6.15–$6.45, from a previous range of $6.00–$6.50. Cabot is restructuring its battery materials expansion, replacing a planned Michigan greenfield facility with expansions at two existing US sites. The company will invest approximately $125 million, with capacity expected online in 2028. Battery materials remain on track to generate about $40 million in fiscal 2026 EBITDA. CEO Sean Keohane will retire on 30 September 2026 after nearly 25 years with the company. Chief financial officer Erica McLaughlin, who has spent nearly 25 years at Cabot, will succeed him as president and CEO.

Cabot Corporation elevates Erica McLaughlin to President and CEO following Keohane's retirement. * By TT News * July 31, 2026 Cabot Corporation has announced a significant leadership transition, with President and Chief Executive Officer Sean Keohane set to retire from his roles and step down from the Board of Directors, effective 30 September 2026. The company has elected Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Corporate Strategy Erica McLaughlin to succeed him. McLaughlin will assume the positions of President and CEO, in addition to joining the Board as a member of the class whose term concludes at the 2029 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, effective 1 October 2026. To facilitate a seamless handover, Keohane will remain with Cabot in an advisory capacity through the end of the 2026 calendar year. Concurrent with McLaughlin's elevation, the company has initiated a formal search process to identify her replacement as Chief Financial Officer. McLaughlin brings over two decades of experience to her new role, having joined Cabot in 2002 and holding various senior leadership posts across finance, strategy and the Reinforcement Materials division. Since assuming her current position in 2018, she has been instrumental in shaping corporate strategy and driving operational discipline. Her prior roles included Vice President of Business Operations for Reinforcement Materials, General Manager of its tire business and Vice President of Investor Relations. Beyond Cabot, she contributes her expertise as a board member for Azenta Life Sciences and as an advisor to FM Global. Keohane's distinguished tenure spans nearly 25 years, with his service as President and CEO beginning in 2016. His leadership was marked by significant portfolio refinement, the strengthening of core businesses, and the successful expansion into battery materials. He also advanced the company's sustainability agenda and commitment to operational excellence, delivering robust performance and sustained shareholder value throughout his career. Board Chair Michael Morrow said, "Erica brings deep industry expertise and a strong understanding of Cabot's businesses, markets and global operations. This experience, coupled with her commitment to the company's long-term strategic priorities, positions her exceptionally well to lead Cabot. Its decision to appoint Erica as the next President and CEO reflects a thoughtful and deliberate succession planning process. Her deep knowledge of the organisation and commitment to the values and culture that have been integral to Cabot's success will provide continuity as Tyre Trends execute this leadership transition. Tyre Trends believe she brings the leadership, discipline and strategic clarity needed to lead Cabot forward and deliver on its long-term vision. "The Board is deeply appreciative of Sean's exceptional leadership and distinguished career at Cabot. We extend our congratulations on a well-deserved retirement. During his tenure as CEO, Sean provided strong, steady and thoughtful leadership, focusing the company's portfolio around its core businesses and advancing new strategic long-term growth priorities. His collaborative leadership style has strengthened our organisation and leadership team, leaving a strong foundation for continued success in the years ahead." McLaughlin said, "I am deeply honoured to succeed Sean as President and CEO and lead Cabot into our next chapter. Having been at Cabot for close to 25 years, I know firsthand the strength of our people and our businesses. I look forward to working with the Board and our global team to build on our success, grow the company by supporting our customers with innovative chemistry solutions to advance their businesses and create value for our stockholders." Keohane said, "It has been a tremendous privilege to lead Cabot and to work alongside such a talented and dedicated global team. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and the foundation we have created. I am confident Cabot is in excellent hands under Erica's leadership. We have worked side by side for almost my entire tenure as CEO and I have seen first-hand her strong leadership, operational discipline and sharp strategic mind. Erica is a trusted and highly capable leader with deep knowledge of our business and a commitment to our people, the culture and the unique heritage of this great company. I look forward to supporting a seamless transition in the months ahead."

Pampa Energia to close Argentina's only synthetic rubber plant. 27 Jul 2026 Decision linked to closure of production facility by local tire manufacturer Fate Buenos Aires - Argentinian energy group Pampa Energia has announced plans to close down the country's only synthetic rubber plant in Puerto General San Martin, according to United Petrochemical Workers and Employees Union (SOEPU). In a 23 July social media statement, the trade union said "the measure leaves Argentina without domestic production of this key input for the automotive and footwear industries." The move, said the union, will impact 150 workers. According to its website, Pampa Energia's rubber plant has the capacity to produce 55 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). In 2025, the company said it sold 41ktpa of SBR, down 8% from 45ktpa sold in 2024. Pampa Energia linked the decision to "the sharp decline in the local synthetic rubber market," affected by the move by local tire producer Fate to discontinue production at its plant in San Fernando, Buenos Aires province, earlier this year. In February, the tire maker said it was closing its production facility due to what it described as "changes in market conditions" and cheap imports, affecting 920 jobs. In May, US supplier Cabot also announced plans to close its carbon black production facility in Campana, due to "structural changes in the region's tire and automotive markets." According to Cabot, the Campana plant manufactured carbon blacks for elastomer reinforcement for the tire and industrial rubber product industries, as well as speciality carbons for plastics, inks, coatings and a variety of other applications. * Every issue of European Rubber Journal (6 issues) including Special Reports & Maps. * Unlimited access to ERJ articles online * Daily email newsletter - the latest news direct to your inbox * Access to the ERJ online archive