Today Huntsman Corporation and Venator Corporation (a public subsidiary of Huntsman Corporation) together represent an $11 billion global manufacturer and marketer of chemicals. In December 2017, the board of directors named him director and chairman emeritus, and elected his son, Peter R. Huntsman, chairman, president and CEO.
According to the company, Huntsman was first a philanthropist, and his life's ambition much greater than business. His mission was to find a cure for cancer and alleviate its ravaging effects on mankind. In 1995, he contributed $100 million to establish the Huntsman Cancer Institute, a pioneer in genetic research and treatment and today one of the world's most renowned cancer institutes and hospitals, located in Salt Lake City. To date, over $2 billion has been directed to the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Hospital, a substantial portion of which came directly from Huntsman and his wife Karen.
"Some 10,000 Huntsman employees today mourn the loss of our founder," said Peter Huntsman. "Dad loved to visit our sites around the world. Many of our employees knew him personally, and he knew many of them by name. All respected him deeply. They regarded my father as their personal coach, mentor and friend. While never a chemist, he knew more about human chemistry than anyone I have ever met.
"His passion was building a great company from assets and people that others had seen less value in than he. He leaves behind a great company, but even more so, a legacy of optimism, ethical behavior and philanthropy that will serve as his greatest accomplishments."
The Huntsman Cancer Foundation, whose sole purpose is to raise funds to support the mission of the Huntsman Cancer Institute, is accepting donations in Mr. Huntsman's memory.