From Marathons to Mentorship: Larry Somma Goes the Distance to Shape Leaders
Larry Somma is a man on the move.
As an accomplished endurance athlete, he has competed in 21 marathons and 17 Ironman triathlons. Accomplished in his career, Somma has landed roles that put on a few more road miles – taking him from his home state of Connecticut to Chicago, London, Miami, Boston and finally Houston, where he now serves as Vice President – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at AmSty's headquarters.
Somma, who joined AmSty in May, came to the company with more than 35 years of experience in various roles of increasing responsibility including the titles of Vice President - Corporate Treasurer, Vice President - Finance Strategy and Transformation, and CFO.
At one point, Larry led 450 professionals implementing initiatives in digital transformation, automation, data analytics and end-to-end process improvement. He has provided leadership in Human Resources, Procurement, Information Technology and Enterprise Risk Management.
Always strong in math and science, Somma pursued engineering, earning a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.E. in Engineering Management from Cornell University. But during his first job at General Motors as an engineer, he realized those in finance helped lead the company, "and that's what I wanted to do," he said.
Somma went on to earn his M.B.A. in finance from the University of Buffalo, setting his sights not on accounting or becoming a CPA, but on finance and organizational strategy.
With his impressive track record, he is uniquely qualified for his new role at AmSty where he feels he can make a difference with a passion for approaches that drive results and where his love for leadership can help others excel.
"I like giving people opportunities to expand and take risks, even if it means making mistakes," he said.
With nine direct reports and approximately 55 team members in the departments of finance, information technology and raw materials procurement, which he oversees, Somma's first order of business was to get to know everyone.
"The first 90 days are very important," he said. "While I still consider myself a newbie and don't know everything about styrene and polystyrene, I made a concerted effort in the first few months to get to know my team – their skillsets, what motives them and where they see themselves in the future at AmSty."
He wants to be known as the person who can enable their success and clear any roadblocks that might be in their way.
"My management style is one of leading people so they not only can be great on my team, but eventually can replace me," he said. "What's important to me in any role I'm in is that when I leave, I've left behind succession talent."
But the finish line for this forward-thinker and athlete is nowhere in sight.
"Those who know me say, 'You're never going to retire,'" he said. "I don't think so, as long as I'm doing what I love doing."
Somma was drawn to AmSty for many reasons, including that AmSty is in the chemicals and plastic industries – sectors he has enjoyed serving in since 2013.
He likes the small-company, no-nonsense culture, too, with good people who are committed to the mission and vision.
"It's a place where you're part of a team," said Somma. "People like being here."
After a long career, he's at a place where, instead of proving himself, he wants to give back.
"I pride myself on being an authentic leader and a mentor," said Somma. "I look forward to working with my talented colleagues and enhancing the organizational structure to build on AmSty's success. That's the most fun."
