Inducted
2009
Degrees
- B.S., Chemical Engineering, West Virginia University, 1987
ExxonMobil — Corporation, Luxembourg
Paul Payne was born and raised in Charleston, the only son of Paul C. and Delores J. Payne. He graduated summa cum laude with a BS in chemical engineering from WVU in 1987.
Following graduation, Payne began his career with Exxon Chemical Company as a process engineer in Baytown, Texas. A series of technical assignments in olefins and aromatics paved the way to move into operations management in 1990. In 1995, Payne assumed the role of Baytown-area engineering manager and was responsible for all capital projects. Following the assignment in engineering, Payne moved to the company headquarters as the Americas planning manager for the polyethylene business. In addition to this role, Payne assumed the responsibilities as product manager for the high-density film business. With the Exxon Mobil merger in 2000, he moved to the Univation Technology joint venture with Dow Chemical as the director of global catalyst business. In 2002, Payne returned to manufacturing as the Beaumont Polyethylene Plant site manager. A transfer to Rochester, New York, in 2004 as the Americas manufacturing manager for the OPP films business was followed by his current assignment in 2006 as the global manufacturing manager for the films business.
Payne and his wife, Jane, currently reside in Luxembourg, where both continue to work for ExxonMobil Chemical Company.