Courtney J. Riley is currently the CEO of NL Industries, Inc., a role she stepped into on June 1, 2021, after serving as the company’s president since 2017. Her career at NL has been marked by an extensive focus on...

Courtney J. Riley is currently the CEO of NL Industries, Inc., a role she stepped into on June 1, 2021, after serving as the company’s president since 2017. Her career at NL has been marked by an extensive focus on environmental affairs, where she previously held positions including executive vice president and general counsel. Before joining NL, she worked in various legal and environmental roles within firms that are part of the Contran Corporation, NL's parent company. People remember her for her hands-on approach to tackling environmental issues and for her deep understanding of regulatory matters. Interestingly, Courtney has not received bonuses or stock options since taking over as CEO and her salary has gradually increased from $802,000 in 2019 to $945,000 in 2021. Outside of her role at NL, she also serves in significant positions at related companies like Valhi and Kronos Worldwide, which gives her a broader insight into the industry and reinforces her leadership capabilities. Since joining as a board member in 2022, Courtney has worked closely with a team of experienced executives to drive company performance, although none of them, including herself, have substantial stock holdings in the companies they manage. This might lead to questions about alignment between management and shareholder interests, but Courtney's commitment to environmental stewardship shines through in her leadership style and is an essential part of her strategy for NL Industries.