Frank Popoff
Frank Popoff | |
|---|---|
| Born | 27 October 1935 Sofia, Bulgaria |
| Died | 25 February 2024 (aged 88) Midland, Michigan, U.S. |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | CEO of Dow Chemical Company (1987–1995), Chairman of Dow Chemical (1992–2000), Chairman of TCF Financial Corporation (from 2004) |
Frank Popoff (also known as Frank Popov) (; October 27, 1935 – February 25, 2024) was a businessman of Bulgarian-American heritage. Beginning in April 2004, he held the position of chairman at TCF Financial Corporation.
Biography
Originating from Sofia, Bulgaria, Popoff relocated with his family to Terre Haute, Indiana in 1941. He completed his secondary education at Terre Haute Wiley High School in 1953, followed by obtaining an A.B. degree in chemistry in 1957 and an MBA in 1959 from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. During his university years, he was affiliated with the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
While pursuing graduate studies, he wed Jean Urse, and together they had three sons.
Popoff passed away at the age of 88 on February 25, 2024, in Midland.
Career
Beginning his professional journey at The Dow Chemical Company in 1959, Popoff progressed through various roles including technical service, development, sales, and marketing before ascending to the role of general manager for the Agricultural Products Department. He later assumed the presidency of Dow Chemical Europe based in Zurich. In 1985, he returned to Dow's headquarters in Midland, Michigan to serve as chief executive officer and chairman of the board.
His tenure as CEO of Dow Chemical spanned from December 1987 until November 1995, while he fulfilled the chairman role from December 1992 through November 2000. Beyond Dow, Popoff was director and chairman of Chemical Financial Corporation between 1989 and 2006. He also held board positions at American Express, Qwest Communications, United Technologies, and Shin-Etsu Chemical. Additionally, he was director emeritus of the Indiana University Foundation and a member of organizations such as the American Chemical Society, Business Roundtable, and The Business Council. Under his leadership as CEO, environmental sustainability became a key strategic focus for Dow Chemical.
Awards and honors
- 1988 – Honorary Doctor of Science from Indiana University
- 1988 – Honorary Doctor of Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- 1989 – Knight Commander distinction in the Order of Orange-Nassau (Netherlands)
- 1990 – Honorary Doctorate awarded by Northwood University
- 1992 – Leadership Award presented by the United States Council for International Business
- 1993 – Recipient of the René Dubos Environmental Award
- 1994 – International Palladium Medal granted by Société de Chimie Industrielle (American Section)
- 2014 – Honored with the Petrochemical Heritage Award