Azade Zare Tabibi - Kuehne Chemical Company, Inc.

With more than 20 years of experience in analytical chemistry and the chlor-alkali industry, Azade Zare Tabibi brings a passion for quality, innovation, and collaboration to her role as Senior Manager of Quality & Lab Services at Kuehne Chemical Company. An active Chlorine Institute member since 2017, she has contributed to numerous Process Safety & Integrity Team initiatives while helping advance best practices across the industry. In this Member Spotlight, Azade shares what inspires her work, her favorite CI memory, and the advice she has for the next generation of industry professionals.

Tell us a little about yourself:

Azade Zare Tabibi is Senior Manager of Quality & Lab Services at Kuehne Chemical Company, where she leads quality systems, laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and technical services initiatives. With more than 20 years of experience in analytical chemistry and the chlor-alkali industry, she is passionate about continuous improvement, problem-solving, and helping bridge the gap between science and business needs. Azade was instrumental in the development of the Element IQ™ Concept at Kuehne, a collaborative business development initiative focused on transforming laboratory services into a strategic resource that delivers value beyond traditional testing. She enjoys building strong teams, fostering collaboration, and developing practical solutions that support both internal operations and customers.

Years Involved at CI and What You Have Been Involved In:

I have been actively involved with the Chlorine Institute I believe since 2017 and have participated in a variety of Process Safety & Integrity Team (PSIT) activities and task groups. My involvement has included projects related to accidental mixing prevention, analytical best practices, and operational excellence throughout the chlor-alkali industry. I have also enjoyed contributing ideas such as analytical wall charts and other practical tools that help make technical information more accessible to operators, laboratory personnel, and plant teams. One of the most rewarding aspects of my CI involvement has been collaborating with industry peers to share knowledge and improve best practices across our industry.

What Is Something Interesting About You That Few Know or Would Guess?

Few people would guess that I am still as passionate about analytical chemistry today as I was when I earned my chemistry degree. While my role now focuses on leadership, quality systems, and business strategy, at heart I am still a chemist who loves solving puzzles and figuring out how things work.

Tell Us About Your Favorite CI Memory or Success Story

One of my favorite CI memories was attending my very first PSIT meeting. I remember sitting in the room, listening to the discussions, and watching Greg lead the meeting with such professionalism and passion. I thought to myself, “This is exactly the kind of group I want to be part of.” That experience inspired me to become more involved, contribute to task groups, and share ideas with some of the most knowledgeable people in our industry. Looking back, that first meeting was the beginning of many valuable friendships, professional connections, and learning opportunities.

What Do You Value Most About Your CI Membership?

Without question, the people. Every CI meeting gives me the opportunity to learn something new, whether it is related to safety, regulations, analytical methods, process improvements, or emerging industry challenges. I value the willingness of members to openly share knowledge and experiences. The networking is incredible, but what makes CI special is the collaborative spirit—everyone genuinely wants to help each other succeed and make our industry safer and stronger.

What Advice Do You Have for Early Career Professionals in the Chlor-Alkali Industry?

Stay curious and never be afraid to ask questions. Some of the best learning opportunities come from conversations with operators, engineers, laboratory staff, and industry experts who have spent years solving real-world problems. Get involved, volunteer for projects, and take advantage of organizations like CI to learn from experienced professionals. Technical knowledge is important, but building relationships, listening to others, and maintaining a positive attitude will often open more doors than you can imagine. Most importantly, remember that learning never stops in this industry—and that is what makes it so rewarding.