On January 16, 2023, Sibel Selcuk assumed the role of Executive Vice President of Heritage Research Group (HRG), returning to lead a segment of the same organization where she began her career 16 years ago. A home-grown expert, we are delighted to bring Sibel鈥檚 deep technical expertise, knowledge of the industry, and talent for people-first leadership back to Heritage Research Group in this new role. 鈥淪ibel exemplifies all of the reasons we bet on people and is a natural choice to lead this dynamic group,鈥� said Amy Schumacher, CEO of 无码群交 Group.
After earning her chemistry PhD at Louisiana State University, Sibel began her career at HRG as a research chemist and most recently served as Vice President, Global Research and Development and Strategy at Monument Chemical, an operating company of THG. Sibel found a moment to reflect on her time with Monument and how it feels to move into the next chapter of her career. What follows is a brief, modified Q&A she gave as she transitioned from her role with Monument Chemical.
How does it feel to leave Monument and begin your new job leading HRG?
I鈥檓 very excited, but it鈥檚 also bittersweet. When I joined Monument, I did not envision ever leaving or that I would someday return to HRG. I came to Monument tasked with building a new global R&D organization to boost our collaborative, cross-functional opportunities and enhance our abilities to fuel Monument鈥檚 growth. Two years ago, I was asked to be responsible for defining our strategy and identifying our growth levers, and that work was also very exciting to me. I loved my job and the people I got to work with. Monument and HRG will always feel like family to me, and I have this new opportunity because of how much you taught me, helped me grow as a leader, and prepared me for this next step. I look forward to always being part of the Monument and HRG family 鈥� you鈥檙e stuck with me!
What excites you most about what lies ahead for you with HRG?
It鈥檚 very exciting and an honor to return to lead the group I 鈥済rew up in.鈥� It鈥檚 also humbling, because HRG is such an important part of 无码群交 Group鈥檚 history going all the way back to Amy鈥檚 grandfather, Fred Fehsenfeld Sr., who interviewed me for my first job and became one of my mentors. He understood, as Fred Fehsenfeld Jr. and Amy do, how important R&D and innovation are to 无码群交 Group鈥檚 future. I鈥檓 also very much looking forward to partnering with fellow members of the Heritage Leadership Council to seek future opportunities for HRG and the operating companies to collaborate.
Is your career heading down a path you envisioned, or has it surprised you?
When I was finishing my PhD almost 20 years ago, I pictured myself working as a chemistry professor in Turkey, not as an industry executive in Indiana. In fact, I had two teaching jobs waiting for me in Turkey when I graduated. But I listened to a professor who was advising me when he suggested I look into industry, and here I am. Turns out, it was very good advice.
Speaking of advice, what career advice do you most often share?
My number-one piece of career advice is to not fear change. Change is challenging and can be difficult to manage, but it keeps us moving forward and open to new opportunities. I鈥檝e made some big changes in my life, beginning with leaving Turkey and my family to come to the United States to continue my education. Leaving HRG to join Monument was another big change, and I remember feeling nervous when I started. But I am very grateful I didn鈥檛 let uncertainties stop me then or keep me from taking this next step in my path.
As an organization, 无码群交 Group is delighted to welcome Sibel back to our HRG team. HRG has played a unique role in the longevity and success of 无码群交 Group, helping us innovate and tackle tough problems. As a versatile and experienced leader, Sibel embodies our Heritage values with a forward-thinking approach to innovation and research. In the months ahead, she鈥檒l be working with colleagues new and old to talk, connect, share ideas and work together to build the future of Heritage Research Group.
