Washington, D.C. — The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), in partnership with the Science History Institute and the Founders Club, is proud to announce that Bhavesh V. (Bob) Patel, retired CEO of LyondellBasell Industries, will receive the 2026 Petrochemical Heritage Award during AFPM’s International Petrochemical Conference on March 30.
AFPM president and CEO Chet Thompson issued the following statement commending Patel:
“I’ve known Bob for many years, and his impact on this industry is unmistakable. He pushes for innovation, brings people together, and sets ambitious goals. His early leadership in recycling ventures, his support for chemical recycling research, and his work uniting global partners through the Alliance to End Plastic Waste are just a few examples of the mark he’s made. Bob’s dedication to safety, excellence, and sustainability is something I’ve always admired. We’re proud to honor him at IPC 2026.”
Honoree Bob Patel said the following about his hopes for the U.S. petrochemical industry and his latest recognition with industry’s premier award:
“I am honored to receive the 2026 Petrochemical Heritage Award and to join a distinguished group of honorees I have long admired. The petrochemical industry has enabled everyday living around the world through innovation that improves quality of life and supports economic growth. As responsible producers, we have an important role in advancing solutions to today’s environmental challenges. I remain optimistic that our industry will continue to innovate, strengthen economies, and enable everyday living for generations to come.”
Patel’s career reflects decades of transformational leadership, from guiding LyondellBasell through record growth to setting the company’s goal of producing 2 million metric tons of recycled and renewable based polymers by 2030. He also restructured W. R. Grace for long-term success and led a $12.5 billion portfolio at Standard Industries. As a founding member and former vice chair of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, Patel has been a leading voice for collaborative, global solutions to reduce and reuse plastic waste.
Patel holds a chemical engineering degree from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Temple University. He serves on the boards of Air Products and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ Houston Branch.
Presented annually by AFPM, the Science History Institute and the Founders Club, the Petrochemical Heritage Award recognizes individuals who have displayed significant entrepreneurship in the petrochemical profession, contributed to better public understanding of this critical industry and been active in philanthropic and communal affairs. Established in 1997, this award encourages emulation, inspires achievement and promotes public understanding of modern science, industries and economies.
The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) is the leading trade association representing the makers of the fuels that keep us moving, the petrochemicals that are the essential building blocks for modern life, and the midstream companies that get our feedstocks and products where they need to go. We make the products that make life better, safer and more sustainable — we make progress.
