Westlake Corporation Chief Financial Officer Steve Bender has been named Plastics News’ 2026 CFO of the Year. Plastics News presented the honor at its Executive Forum in Clearwater Beach, Florida. The award, presented in partnership with Plante Moran/PMCF, “highlights executives who play a key role in driving financial performance, strategic growth and long-term value creation,” according to Plastics News.
“This honor really reflects the strength of our entire team,” Bender said. “No CFO succeeds alone — it’s our finance organization, operational leaders and employees across our plants who challenge us to be better every day."
“Our industry sits at the center of modern life,” he added. “The materials we produce make food safer and vehicles lighter, and they help drive progress. I’m proud to be part of it and honored to be recognized alongside such an exceptional group of peers.”
As CFO of Westlake, Bender has helped guide the company through a period of growth and market challenges, focusing on disciplined financial management and strategic investment.
