Merl Lindstrom is general manager of downstream research and development for ConocoPhillips. Lindstrom began his career with Phillips in 1978 as a research chemist in research and development. In 1984, he was promoted to section supervisor with R&D in the polymers and materials area. Three years later, he became director of industry analysis in planning and budgeting for Phillips 66 Co., a division of Phillips. In 1988, Lindstrom became director of alloys, blends and compounds in plastics.

He served as director of plastics/chemicals in planning and budgeting for Phillips 66 Co. before being named manager of the chemicals division for the R&D staff in 1991. From 1998 to 2001 he served as Woods Cross business unit manager for Phillips 66 Co. In 2001, Lindstrom returned to Bartlesville, Okla., as manager of technology services and facilities in the technology and project development division of Phillips Petroleum Co.