June 2025 — In a pivotal leadership transition for the global methanol sector, the Methanol Institute (MI) has officially announced the appointment of Alexander Döll as its new Chief Executive Officer. Döll steps into the role following the retirement of Greg Dolan, who led the organization for nearly three decades and was instrumental in transforming MI into a global voice for the methanol industry.
With over 25 years of experience across the energy, chemicals, and sustainability sectors, Alexander Döll brings a wealth of global perspective and leadership expertise to MI. His career spans continents—including Europe, the United States, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia—and includes senior roles at multinational firms such as Dow and OCI Global, where he focused on policy development, public affairs, and commercial strategy.
Prior to this appointment, Döll served as Chief Operating Officer of MI, playing a key role in guiding the Institute through a period of expansion and strategic growth as the methanol sector gained traction in global decarbonization efforts.
A Dynamic Time for Methanol
Commenting on his appointment, Alexander Döll stated “I’m honored to take on this role at such a dynamic time for our industry. Methanol has secured a clear role in the global energy transition—as both a low-carbon and clean fuel and a vital chemical building block found in thousands of products that touch everyday life. What sets this industry apart is the strength of its entire value chain—from production to technology to end use. MI has a unique role in bringing those voices together, and I’m excited to build on that foundation to help move the industry forward, with the support of our committed members and MI’s incredible global team.”
The Methanol Institute (MI) was granted consultative status by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) last year. This prestigious recognition is reserved for international non-governmental organizations with the expertise and capability to contribute meaningfully to IMO’s work. With consultative status, MI now participates as an observer in IMO meetings and working groups, providing technical insight and policy input on matters related to low-carbon fuels, safety, and sustainability—further cementing methanol’s role in the maritime energy transition.
Greg Dolan’s Legacy: A Global Transformation
Greg Dolan, who retires after nearly 30 years at the helm, leaves behind a significant legacy. Under his leadership, the Methanol Institute transitioned from a U.S.-centric trade association into a globally influential organization, representing stakeholders across Europe, the Americas, China, India, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
Reflecting on Dolan’s contributions, Ben Iosefa, Chair of MI’s Board of Directors, remarked “We’re deeply grateful to Greg for his dedication over nearly three decades. His vision helped build the foundation for what MI is today—a respected and influential voice in the global energy and chemical space. As we turn the page, I’m confident that Alex’s international experience, strategic vision, and deep understanding of our industry make him ideally suited to lead MI into its next chapter.”
A Personal Reflection from Greg Dolan: A Legacy Built on People and Purpose
As Greg Dolan steps down after nearly 30 years of transformative leadership at the Methanol Institute, he leaves behind more than just a global organization—he leaves behind a legacy defined by connection, vision, and firm dedication.
“Yes, the methanol industry is a dynamic and growing powerhouse,” Dolan shared, “but it also feels like a family.” That spirit of unity and purpose carried him from a two-person office in Washington to guiding an industry voice with a global footprint, shaping methanol’s rise as a key player in the clean energy transition.
In his message, Dolan expressed not just pride in the Institute’s growth, but confidence in its future. “I’m very pleased to be handing the CEO reins over to Alexander Döll, who I’ve worked with as MI’s COO.”
The words are brief but meaningful—spoken by a leader who knows what it takes, and who sees in Döll the right combination of expertise, integrity, and global insight to lead MI into its next chapter. For an industry built on innovation and trust, Dolan’s parting gesture is one of assurance and optimism—passing the torch with both pride and purpose.
Methanol’s Expanding Role in Clean Energy and Bunkering
The appointment comes at a time when methanol is gaining strong momentum as a low-carbon alternative fuel, particularly within the shipping and bunkering sectors. With a growing number of vessels operating or being built to run on green and bio-methanol, and major ports such as Amsterdam recently conducting their first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering operations, the market signals are clear: methanol is no longer a future option—it is part of the present clean fuel mix.
As the global trade association representing this value chain, MI is central to advancing methanol’s uptake as a marine fuel, chemical feedstock, and energy carrier.
About the Methanol Institute (MI)
The Methanol Institute (MI) is the global trade association for the methanol industry, representing over 100 member companies including methanol producers, distributors, shippers, bunkering companies, and technology providers. Headquartered in Washington D.C., MI also operates regional offices in Brussels, Singapore, Delhi, and Beijing, positioning the organization at the heart of policy, regulatory, and commercial developments worldwide. MI advocates for the use of methanol as a versatile chemical and as a clean-burning fuel that can support the decarbonization of industries such as shipping, transport, and power generation.
Source Methanol Institute