What qualities must an outstanding CFO possess?

A company’s developmental needs vary across different stages, and thus the value a CFO delivers also differs accordingly. For instance, a company preparing for an IPO requires a CFO with strong compliance expertise and extensive financing networks; whereas a century-old U.S. Fortune 500 global leader in specialty chemicals demands a CFO capable of deeply understanding and embodying ‘long-termism.’ In this CFO interview feature, we spoke closely with Charles FEI, CFO of Cabot Asia Pacific. He explained that the secret to corporate longevity is not mysterious—but few companies are willing to stubbornly adhere to their founders’ core business. When discussing internal controls and compliance, we noticed him unconsciously sit up straight—a posture reflecting the professional integrity ingrained in every Cabot employee. He was Sony’s first local employee in China, and subsequently worked for PepsiCo China and Kimberly-Clark China. He now oversees finance, risk management, treasury, and tax planning for Cabot across the Asia-Pacific region, bringing over 20 years of multinational corporate finance experience. Exuding the typical openness and affability of a foreign enterprise executive, he nevertheless reveals—in subtle details—the meticulousness and rigor characteristic of finance professionals. He places strong emphasis on every employee’s growth, proactively creates learning opportunities for the organization, and generously shares his own learning and career development insights with younger colleagues. Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) is a global leader in specialty chemicals and high-performance materials, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. It continuously drives its customers’ business forward across transportation, infrastructure, environmental, and consumer goods industries. The company traces its origins to a carbon black factory founded in 1882 by Harvard graduates Godfrey Cabot and his brother Samuel Cabot—named after their family surname. Over the past 140 years, Cabot has remained on the Fortune 500 list solely on the strength of its carbon black business. I. Three Career Development Recommendations for Finance Professionals Charles’s entire career has been spent in multinational corporations. In 1995, he joined Sony—then at the height of its success—as its first locally hired employee, spending the first decade of his career there. He considers this period extremely valuable. On one hand, foreign enterprises already had relatively mature management systems at the time, placing strong emphasis on finance professionals’ grasp of business operations—prompting him to pursue both an MBA and an EMBA. On the other, he used this period to earn several professional certifications—including Australian Certified Public Accountant and Chinese Certified Public Accountant credentials. Regarding experiences worth sharing, he advises young peers to obtain multiple professional certifications or pursue advanced degrees—especially an MBA. Though highly effective in broadening one’s mindset and perspective, an MBA yields optimal results only when combined with deep familiarity across all facets of corporate management and operations, enabling seamless integration of theory and practice. After leaving Sony, he held brief positions at two leading U.S.-based industry giants—PepsiCo and Kimberly-Clark—before choosing to settle long-term at Cabot. This 140-year-old yet vibrant American enterprise champions integrity and excellence, fosters a familial organizational culture, and cultivates mutual respect among colleagues—an atmosphere that feels exceptionally comfortable. Unknowingly, Charles has spent 15 years at Cabot. After serving many years as Finance Director for Cabot China, his boss told him: “Your financial knowledge is solid—but you don’t yet understand the business well enough.”

Veteran tire industry leader retires; female executive steps into top role!

On July 30, Cabot Corporation—a renowned carbon black manufacturer—announced a leadership transition. Sean Keough, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cabot, will officially retire on September 30. He will be succeeded by Erica McLaughlin, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. According to available information, Sean Keough assumed the CEO role in 2016 and led Cabot for a decade. During his tenure, he spearheaded the divestiture of non-core assets and guided the company’s strategic entry into the battery materials sector. Keough will remain with the company through year-end in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Public records indicate that Erica McLaughlin has been with Cabot for nearly 25 years. She has held numerous senior leadership roles and has served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer since 2018. Currently, Cabot’s traditional tire carbon black business faces mounting pressure, prompting the company’s ongoing strategic shift toward higher-value-added materials. In Q1 2026, the company’s net profit declined by 21% year-on-year; in Q2, its earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) fell by 29% year-on-year.

Cabot Names Interim CFO as McLaughlin Becomes CEO

Sep 15, 2026

Cabot Corporation appointed Steve Delahunt as interim CFO effective October 1, 2026, as Erica McLaughlin transitions from CFO to President and CEO. The company is currently seeking a permanent CFO to complete the leadership restructuring.

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Cabot Names New CEO as Keohane Retires

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Cabot CEO Sean Keohane sells $7.9m in stock