There are “no secrets to success” in business, according to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the $40 billion, US-based The Dow Chemical Company.

In late 2005, former Brisbane resident Dr Andrew Liveris received an honorary doctorate from The University of Queensland, the institution where in 1975 he graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering with first-class honours and a University Medal.

He was also named 2005 UQ Alumnus of the Year at a special graduation ceremony.

Dr Liveris became Chief Executive Officer of Dow in 2004. He joined the company in 1976 and during his 30-year career has set up a chemical facility in Hong Kong, worked on marketing strategies for the company in Sydney, was business manager at its Asian headquarters, general manager for operations in Thailand and President of the Performance Chemicals business group.

Dr Liveris said he remembered his UQ student days well and has maintained a strong interest in his alma mater.

“For nearly everyone, time at university represents a turning point,” he said.

“It's a coming-of-age experience that everyone looks back on. Certainly I do, and with great fondness for life here."