Dow Chemical CEO is ready to depart

MIDLAND, Mich. — The longtime chief executive of Dow Chemical, who led the company through the financial crisis, a merger with rival DuPont and the planned disassembly of the entire enterprise, is stepping down.

Andrew Liveris announced two years ago he’d retire by mid-2017, but that was delayed until the company named a successor to head its materialsscience division, one of three companies that DowDupont will divide itself into.

DowDupont Inc. said Monday that Liveris, 63, will give up his executive chairmanship in April, and his role as director in July, when he officially retires.

Jeff Fettig, a longtime independent director, will become executive chairman. Jim Fitterling will lead the materials-science company, to be created during a planned breakup next year. DowDuPont will break itself into three distinct companies after a successful, merger between Dow and DuPont last year valued at close to $70 billion.