BASF Coatings has announced that Jens Lühring will be appointed CEO once the transaction between BASF and the Carlyle Group has been completed and a stand-alone coatings company established. He succeeds Uta Holzenkamp, who has led BASF Coatings since 2022, and will continue in that role until the closing, expected to take place in the second quarter of 2026.

Covia announced that Laura Riquelme has been appointed executive vice president and CFO. Riquelme joins Covia from Zep Inc., where she served as CFO since 2022. Prior to Zep, Riquelme served as CFO of Cooper Lighting Solutions. Previously, she held numerous finance leadership roles at General Electric Company in both domestic and international assignments.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México.

NUCOAT North America, a provider of high-performance coatings for windows and doors, has announced two executive appointments. Connor Krings has been named business development manager. In this role, he will focus on expanding the company’s customer base, supporting strategic accounts and strengthening relationships across key markets. Stefanie Dennis has been appointed senior manager of internal administration. Dennis will oversee internal operations, customer support, and administrative systems.

Houston-based chemical specialty product distributor Third Coast Chemicals has named Juan Gayton as president. With many years of experience in petrochemical marketing and sales, Gayton most recently served as vice president, MS Polymers, for Kaneka North America.

RadTech, the nonprofit association for the advancement of ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) technologies,��has promoted Mickey Fortune to chief strategy and operations officer. Fortune, who has been with the organization for over 20 years, most recently served as associate executive director for education and outreach.

In his new role, Fortune will continue to help the group meet the evolving needs and advancement opportunities for the UV+EB community.��His expanded responsibilities include strategic growth, operational excellence, and continued industry collaboration.

Evonik has appointed Jonas Niedballa as global head of Research & Development–Formulation Technology. He most recently served as head of R&D–FPE. Niedballa earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.

Kyocera Hardcoating Technologies Europe has appointed Arunprabhu Sugumaran��as Hardcoating Technologies lead engineer where he will provide operational leadership within the coating department while driving R&D to enhance coating performance across industrial sectors. He joins the business following doctoral research at the Materials and Engineering Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, where he developed advanced nanostructured physical vapor deposition coatings for orthopedic knee replacement joints using industrial-scale high power impulse magnetron sputtering technology.

Kraton Corporation has appointed Sangwoo Ryu as CEO. Ryu most recently served as CEO of Cariflex Pte Ltd., a Kraton spin‑off under DL Chemical, having joined the company as CFO in 2020 shortly before its acquisition by DL Chemical. He became CEO of Cariflex in April 2025. In his new role, Ryu will work with Kraton’s Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors, as well as Cariflex leadership to help guide strategic decision making, operational excellence, and long‑term growth for both organizations.

Nobian, a Western European producer of salt and essential chemicals, has appointed Thorsten Krekels as CFO and member of the company’s leadership team. Krekels previously served as group controller and managing director Germany for Nobian. He succeeds Michael Pontzen, who will transition to a new project with Nobian’s principal shareholder, The Carlyle Group.

Surface‑protective technology company actnano, Inc. has appointed Sruti Balasubramanian as CTO. In this role, she will lead product innovation and deepen customer partnerships, while ensuring the company’s technology roadmap remains aligned with real‑world customer needs. Balasubramanian is the inventor of record on actnano’s core patents and is a graduate of MIT’s Strategic Technology Roadmapping & Innovation program.

Nobilis Group, Inc has announced a series of executive promotions. Stan Starnes has been named president, responsible for sales initiatives, new business development, and servicing key partner relationships. Jeff Beaver will assume the role of��chief administrative officer. In addition, the company has hired��Rushi Modha��as COO, responsible for all core business operations. Nobilis founder��Troy Good��will continue to lead the company as CEO.

Omya Performance Polymer Distribution has named Sara Ghione president for Rubber Polymers and Additives. She will be based in Oftringen, Switzerland, and report to CEO Carsten Harms. With over 20 years’ experience in the chemical distribution industry, Ghione most recently served as business director for Polymers and Rubber EMEA for Brenntag. Omya reports that Ghione’s appointment completes the global leadership team for Omya Performance Polymer Distribution.

Nouryon has named Jennifer Durbin executive vice president and chief human resources officer. She will lead the development and execution of company’s global human capital strategy, shaping policies and practices that support the company’s organizational goals and workforce needs. Durbin joined Nouryon in 2026 from CMC, a publicly held global steel manufacturing and construction materials company, where she served as senior vice president, chief human resources, and communications officer.

Barentz has named Eric Post senior vice president, Principal Management−CASE & Plastics. Post joined Barentz in 2017, and most recently served as vice president Principal Management.

BASF Intermediates Americas has appointed Kevin Anderson to head the division as vice president, Regional Business Management. Anderson will be responsible for the division’s strategic growth, innovation, and customer-centric collaboration. He previously served as vice president, Business Management Amines, Acetylenics, and Carbonyl Derivatives, Chemical Intermediates, North America.​

Elinor Coatings has appointed Michelle Pierre as director of the Aurora Center for Extreme Weather Materials, a division of Elinor Coatings. In this role, Pierre, whose work focuses on translating complex materials risks into clear engineering decisions to ensure safety and reliability, will lead a growing team serving clients across aerospace, defense, energy, agriculture, and industrial sectors.

Pierre holds a B.S in Chemistry from Kennesaw State University and a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from Florida International University.

Ravago Chemicals North America (RCNA) has announced the appointment of Eric Kostyszyn as director & vice president of Chemicals. He most recently served as vice president of Sales & Industrial Markets.

In addition, RCNA has named Jeffrey Wear as vice president−Segments. Wear joined the company in 2022 and most recently served as vice president of Coatings & Inks.

Sherwin-Williams Industrial Wood Coatings division has appointed Sarah Wolek as North American director of technical service. Her focus will be on elevating service capabilities, optimizing processes, and supporting strategic growth across the industrial wood coatings business. Wolek previously served as technical director, Agricultural Solutions, for the Stepan Company.

Gemini Industries, Inc. has announced that David Jackson has stepped into the role of director, Product Management. Jackson, a long-tenured employee-owner, will oversee the development of new technologies as well as strengthening Gemini’s existing product lineup.

IMCD Group has appointed Sami Valkama as global technical director for its Coatings & Construction Business Group, in addition to his current role as managing director of IMCD Nordics. Since joining IMCD in 2006, Valkama has held a range of technical positions across the organization. In his expanded role, he will oversee the company’s global technical strategy for the coatings and construction markets.

The ChemQuest Group has appointed its latest new director, Edward Johnson. With decades of experience leading strategy and acquisition projects for global corporations, Johnson has had roles with Advanced Sealing Technologies (a business line of Michelin), IAMCO Strategy Consultants, and Vermillion Partners.

Teresa Karjala, senior research & development fellow, Packaging, Specialty Plastics, and Hydrocarbons, at Dow has been elected into the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Class of 2026.��NAE membership honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, or education. Karjala is recognized “for leadership in innovation in the field of polyolefin product development, production, and commercialization.” She has been employed by Dow for over 30 years and received a B.S. from Michigan Technological University and a Ph.D. from The University of Delaware, both in chemical engineering.

Samuel Schär has assumed his position as CEO of ��ü������. Schär joined ��ü������ 20 years ago to establish the Nanotechnology business unit. He then led the Grinding & Dispersing business area for several years, before joining the Group Executive Board in 2013 and successfully leading the Advanced Materials segment for 10 years. He later took over responsibility for the Global Services & Sales organization. Samuel Schär studied physics at EPFL Lausanne in Switzerland.

Valtris Specialty Chemicals announced today the appointment of Mike McGaugh as CEO. McGaugh has assumed the role held by former CEO, Simon Medley, who will be retiring as part of this transition but will continue to advise the company.

McGaugh was most recently the CEO of Myers Industries Inc. Prior to his tenure at Myers, he served as executive vice president and COO of BMC Stock Holdings and also spent nearly 25 years in various senior leadership roles at The Dow Chemical Company. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Texas State University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Sheboygan Paint Company announced that Holly Bellmund has been appointed CEO. Bellmund previously served as president of GLC Minerals, where she led strategy, operations, product development, and market expansion. Her background spans engineering, sales, and commercial strategy, giving her direct experience in linking formulation development with field performance and customer requirements. She has worked extensively with industrial, agriculture, and equipment OEMs — core segments for Sheboygan Paint Company.

Gemini Industries, Inc. has announced that David Jackson has stepped into the role of director, Product Management. Jackson, a long-tenured employee-owner, will oversee the development of new technologies as well as strengthening Gemini’s existing product lineup.

Color Pigments Manufacturers Association has appointed Robert Helminiak as executive director. With more than 15 years of senior leadership experience, Helminiak most recently served as vice president of Legal & Government Relations at the Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates.

January Names in the News Digital

The allnex Advisory Committee has appointed Anish K. Taneja as CEO. Taneja is joining allnex from Johnson Matthey PLC where he most recently served as the CEO of Clean Air & Hydrogen Technologies and as chair of the Group Commercial Council. Taneja is a board member of the German Association of the Automotive Industry and has served as president of the German Rubber Industry Association, and as a board member of Hydrogen Europe.

Syensqo announced that��Mike Radossich��has assumed the role of CEO and member of the Board of Directors. Radossich will be responsible for steering Syensqo’s next phase as the company continues to focus on creating value for its stakeholders; accelerating sustainable, profitable growth; and driving long-term performance. He succeeds Ilham Kadri, who will continue as a special advisor.

AkzoNobel announced that Maarten de Vries, who had planned to retire in April, has agreed to extend his tenure as CFO for one year to support the planned merger with Axalta. The extension of his term as a member of the Board of Management will be proposed for shareholder approval at the April 2026 AGM.

The Hempel A/S Board of Directors has announced that Michael Hansen, group president and CEO, has resigned. In accordance with the company’s succession plans, the board has initiated a search for his successor. Until the appointment is finalized, Hansen will continue to lead the company alongside Hempel’s Executive Group Management team to advance the company’s strategic priorities.

PPG announced that Vincent (Vince) J. Morales, senior vice president and CFO, will retire July 1, 2026. A veteran of the company for over 40 years, Morales is a member and secretary of PPG’s operating committee and member of the executive committee. A global internal and external search is underway.

Other company changes include the retirement of Adriana Macouzet, vice president of PPG Latin America, and general manager, Protective and Marine Coatings (PMC), Latin America, effective April 30, 2026.

Jennifer Solcz, vice president, protective and marine coatings, United States and Canada (USCA) will be vice president, PMC, Americas effective April 30, 2026.

Javier Sosa Mejía, vice president, Architectural Coatings, Latin America and president, PPG Comex, will expand his responsibilities as president, PPG Latin America.

Barentz has named Sertaç Sürür as president EMEA. Sürür most recently served as CEO Asia Pacific for Azelis. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Istanbul Technical University in Türkiye and an MBA in International Business from National University in California.

Evonik has appointed Elias Lacerda president of the Americas region, effective February 1. He succeeds Guido Skudlarek, who recently assumed global leadership of Evonik’s Health Care business line in the United States.

Lacerda most recently served as head of Evonik’s Coating Additives business line at the company’s headquarters in Essen, Germany. From 2018 to 2022, Lacerda was president of the Central and South America region, which has since been merged with North America to form the Americas region. A native Brazilian, Lacerda holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Business Administration.

Evonik has also appointed Jacob Shevrin as global director of Strategic Product Management. In this new role, he will be based in Frankfurt, Germany. Shevrin previously served as director of Technical Marketing and Applied Technology, for the Americas Functional Silanes team.

Huntsman Corporation has named Amy Smedley as executive vice president, general counsel, and secretary. She succeeds David Stryker, who is retiring. Smedley has strong legal and leadership experience, most recently serving as executive vice president and chief legal officer at Savage Companies since 2022. She previously spent 16 years with Huntsman in a series of senior legal roles, ultimately serving as vice president and deputy general counsel.

IMCD has announced that Emmanuel Colette will assume global leadership of its Business Group Food & Nutrition, effective March 1. Colette will also retain his current responsibilities as managing director, IMCD France. He succeeds Marc van Gerwen, who is retiring after a 38-year career in the chemicals and ingredients industry.

IMCD has also named Christoph Garbotz as managing director for Germany, responsible for the management of the Germany, Austria, Southeast Europe, and Switzerland region. Most recently he served as director principal management for the company’s Pharmaceuticals Business Group.

The ChemQuest Group announced the appointment of two Netherlands-based directors. Erwin Wild and Ruud van der Erden. Wild has held leadership roles at Huntsman Advanced Materials, CVC Thermoset Specialties, AGC Chemicals Europe, and Kemira. He holds a B.S. in chemical engineering and organic chemistry from Saxion University, as well as an E.M.B.A. through the Helsinki School of Economics.

Ruud van der Eerden has more than 35 years of leadership experience in global strategy, sales, marketing, technology, regulatory, and business management of specialty resins and polymers in CASE and other markets. Van der Eerden earned a B.S. in Chemical Technology from HTS Dordrecht.

Sheboygan Paint Company has named��Robert Steebhas as Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) manager. In this role, Steebhas will design, develop, implement, and oversee the organization’s EHS programs and procedures to safeguard employees and surrounding communities. Steebhas has 25 years of EHS experience across a number of industries, including chemicals, EV batteries, food, and packaging.

R.E. Carroll Inc. has announced that its vice president, David Carroll, has been accepted into the 2026 class for Executive Leaders by the Alliance for Chemical Distribution.��The program for established executives and emerging leaders focuses on practical tools to strengthen communication, sharpen strategic decision-making, and enhance advocacy

Mike King will join Vibrantz Technologies as president and CEO. King brings to the position more than 20 years of global leadership experience in manufacturing and is recognized for building high-performing teams, leading large-scale transformations, and positioning businesses for long-term success. He most recently served as president and CEO of Pactiv Evergreen Inc.

King succeeds Chris DiSantis, who served as interim CEO since February 2025. DiSantis will continue supporting the company through the leadership transition.

Azelis has appointed Boris Cambon-Lalanne as group CFO and member of the board of directors, effective January 2026. He brings to the position over two decades of financial expertise in the chemical industry, most recently as capital markets director for Solvay. He succeeds Thijs Bakker, whose departure was previously announced.

Sherwin-Williams Company’s board of directors has elected Benjamin E. Meisenzahl to serve as CFO, effective January 1, 2026. Meisenzahl has held the position of senior vice president—Finance for the last two and a half years, where he led the company’s Treasury, Tax, Finance Transformation, and Global Business Services functions. In over 22 years with Sherwin-Williams, he has held multiple roles of increasing responsibility, including global finance and operational positions in the company’s Paint Stores Group, Performance Coatings Group, and Global Supply Chain. He succeeds Allen J. Mistysyn, who will assume a short-term transition role before retiring after 35 years of service to the company.

Orion S.A. has announced the appointment of Jonathan “Jon” Puckett as CFO. Puckett joins Orion with more than 30 years of financial leadership experience, including 14 years with Celanese, where he most recently served as vice president and CFO for the Acetyl Chain segment. He succeeds Jeff Glajch who will retire from the position at the end of 2025 and provide consulting services to Orion during the first quarter of 2026 to ensure a seamless transition.

MuleHide, the Wisconsin-based manufacturer of roofing products and systems, has appointed Mauiusz Dubicki, Nick Montagna, and Tyler Rada as territory managers and Daniel Williams as strategic account manager for modular roofing.

Dubicki, a 30-year veteran of the roofing industry, will have responsibility for the Chicago territory. He has been a field technical representative for Illinois and Wisconsin since joining MuleHide in 2024.

Montagna has been hired as territory manager for Western New England, serving Connecticut and western Massachusetts. Montagna has been selling roofing materials and systems for nearly 24 years.

Rada has joined MuleHide as territory manager for South New Jersey/Delaware. He has more than 20 years of experience in construction and management.

Williams comes to MuleHide from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, where he was community standards coordinator.��In his new role, Williams will be a primary link connecting the company with modular manufacturers, roofing distributors, and modular building designers nationwide.

Gemini Industries, Inc. has announced three key leadership changes intended to strengthen its sales organization and position the company for continued growth.

David Potter has been promoted to director of sales. In this role, he will oversee all aspects of the company’s sales strategy across channels, aligning with the company’s long-term vision for growth and market leadership.

Dustin McCartney has been promoted to regional sales manager—East. His new responsibilities include strengthening Gemini’s presence in key markets, continuing to build relationships with customers, and mentoring and managing members of the sales team.

Wilson Feliciano has joined the company as business development manager—East. Feliciano will focus on generating new business opportunities for the company’s family of brands, particularly in historically underserved areas.

Intumescent Fire Protection Coatings

Jotun has debuted Jotachar 1709 XT, the newest addition to its range of intumescent fire protection coatings for the oil and gas industry. Engineered for onshore new construction projects requiring UL 1709 certification, the patent-pending all-climate-capable fire protection coating is formulated to perform in extreme environments. Jotun reports that Jotachar 1709 XT has undergone comprehensive third-party testing and is fully certified by leading regulatory bodies.

For more information, visit .

Silicone Rubber

WACKER has launched POWERSIL^®��1900 A/B, a new high-consistency silicone rubber for the production of hollow-core insulators. The product is supplied as a two-component system and is suitable for manufacturing processes that involve extrusion, including spiral extrusion. According to WACKER, this enables the manufacturing of even large-scale insulators with variable diameters to be easier and more cost-effective.

To learn more, visit .

Antimicrobial Coatings

BioBond Adhesives, Inc. has expanded its BioBond Protective Antimicrobial Coatings line with eight new color options. BioBond notes that the PFAS-free coatings are formulated using bio-based antimicrobial technology, contain no odors or microplastics, and are able to resist mold, bacteria, and microbial matter. Intended as a healthier alternative to traditional solvent-based epoxies and urethanes, BioBond says the coatings are USDA BioPreferred Certified and manufactured in the United States.

For additional details, visit

Primer + Sealer

Valspar^® has launched Valspar^®��Oil-Based Primer + Sealer, a high-performance, fast-drying primer intended for a variety of interior applications. The company says that the primer is engineered to block stains and odors—including tannins, water, grease, and smoke—while providing strong adhesion and easy sandability. Valspar adds that the finish is formulated to conceal minor surface imperfections, helping to create a smooth, uniform base for topcoats.

To learn more, visit .

Plant-Based Paint & Primer

Behr Paint Company has unveiled Behr Premium Plus® Ecomix™ Plant-Based Paint & Primer. According to Behr, the product is the first 100% all-acrylic paint and primer that meets the 20% minimum threshold of renewable materials set for the interior paints and coatings category by the USDA BioPreferred Program.�� The company reports that the new product is also UL GREENGUARD GOLD Certified+, ensuring it has low chemical emissions and contributes to a healthier indoor environment.

To learn more, visit .

RPM International Inc.’s Board of Directors has announced two key leadership changes. David Dennsteadt��has been appointed RPM executive vice president. In this role, he will oversee all corporate administrative functions, including finance, legal, risk management, human resources, manufacturing, and operations. Dennsteadt most recently served as group president of RPM’s Performance Coatings Group (PCG).

Succeeding Dennsteadt as group president of the newly expanded PCG is Gregory Michael. Previously, Michael served as president of RPM company, Stonhard.��RPM says these leadership updates come as part of a broader strategic reorganization designed to streamline operations and transition from four reporting groups to three.

Huntsman Corporation has named Julia Wright executive vice president, general counsel, and secretary. She succeeds current general counsel, David Stryker, who will serve as executive vice president, Strategic Initiatives, pending his retirement at the end of 2025.

Wright has over 15 years of executive experience, most recently as senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary at ChampionX Corporation, where she was responsible for the legal organization until it was acquired by SLB (formerly Schlumberger) in July 2025.

Ingevity Corporation has named Ruth Castillo as senior vice president and president of Performance Materials, the company’s activated carbon segment. She will also join Ingevity’s executive leadership team as senior vice president. Castillo most recently served as vice president of global chemicals at Avantor. She holds an MBA in International Management from the University of Texas at Dallas and a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City.

The supervisory board of BASF SE has announced a series of executive changes. Mary Kurian and Livio Tedeschi have been appointed to the Board of Executive Directors, effective May��1,��2026. Kurian will take over the Chemicals and Nutrition & Care segments of the company. Tedeschi will assume new board responsibilities for the Agricultural Solutions segment in preparation for the division’s planned partial IPO. At the same time, Michael Heinz will retire as planned, effective April 30, 2026.

In addition, Nina Schwab-Hautzinger, head of Corporate Communications & Government Relations, will leave BASF effective January 31, 2026, to take on a new professional opportunity. ��The company will announce a successor at a later date.

BASF has also announced that Jolen Stein, senior director, People Services, at the company’s��Verbund��site in Geismar, La., has been named one of 12 outstanding leaders who make up the 2025 class of Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Hall of Fame inductees.

The WiM Hall of Fame was started in 2019 by the Women in Manufacturing Association to recognize women who have made, or are making, significant contributions to the manufacturing industry.

Eastman has named Martin Rogers as technology manager, CASE Technology Division. Most recently, Rogers served as group leader, Coatings Product Translation and Development. He has been with Eastman since 2014.

Cortec® Corporation has appointed Ivana Radic Borsic executive vice president and managing director of its European subsidiary, CorteCros d.o.o. In her new role, she will oversee the company’s strategic growth, sales, logistics, and production throughout Europe and globally. Borsic will also retain her current title as vice president of Sales, Europe, for Cortec, ensuring tight integration between CorteCros’s operational capabilities and Cortec’s broader European sales strategy.

The National Steel Painting Contractors Association (NSPCA) has announced a leadership transition effective January 1, 2026. Retiring executive director Deborah Wyandt, Esq., who has helmed the association since 2021, will be succeeded on an interim basis by Joye Blanscett, who was engaged by NSPCA in April 2025 as a consultant. NSPCA will appoint a permanent executive director in early 2026.

The ChemQuest Group, Inc. has appointed three new directors: Bernardo Montes, Steven Roth, and Richard Karpowicz.

Montes has extensive experience in operations management within global organizations, including positions of increasing authority with Thyssen Henschel S.A., Thyssen Gus S.A., Thyssen Stearns Inc., and Milliken & Co. Montes holds a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, and an MBA and doctorate from the University of Oviedo.

Roth has built extensive specialty chemicals experience in a range of sectors, including coatings, adhesives, fine fragrance, home care, and animal feed additives over the course of his career with Emerald Kalama Chemical and Lanxess. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Northwest Nazarene University, an MBA from the University of Oregon, and a doctorate in Bio-organic Chemistry from the University of Nevada.

Karpowicz is a chemist and ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt with four decades of experience in adhesives, tapes, labels, and medical devices. He most recently served as owner of Adhesive Tape Label LLC. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Joseph’s University, as well as a doctorate in Chemistry (Physical Organic) from the University of Delaware.

The Bodo Möller Chemie Group announced that Peter Holm, previously managing director of Bodo Möller Chemie Denmark, has been named chairman of the Danish subsidiary. Holm joined the group in 2008 and was instrumental in building up the subsidiary in Denmark, which he led successfully for many years. He will gradually step back from daily operations while continuing to provide strategic guidance. Holm is succeeded in the role by Karin Håkansson, who has managed business activities in Denmark since the beginning of the year.

Brenntag announced that CEO Jens Birgersson has assumed direct responsibility for its Brenntag Essentials division. This follows the early September departure of Ewout van Jarwaarde from the board of management and CEO role.

Van Jarwaarde joined Brenntag’s board as chief transformation officer in 2021 and played a key role in establishing the operational structure of Brenntag Essentials. He was named CEO of the division in August 2023. Under his leadership, the Didex transformation program was implemented, strengthening the company’s capabilities in digitalization, data, and AI while accelerating the rollout of the group-wide technology strategy.

Evonik Industries has announced that its chief financial officer, Maike Schuh, is leaving at her own request. Schuh, who has been with Evonik for 10 years, joined the executive board in April 2023, where she has been overseeing the company’s finance division. Previously, she ran the accounting unit, moving to the newly founded Performance Materials division in 2020 and taking over as managing director there in 2022.

Evonik CEO Christian Kullmann will temporarily assume responsibility for the finance department at the executive board level. Claus Rettig, an associated member of the executive board and head of the Asia-Pacific region, will take over Schuh’s operational duties until a successor is appointed.

In other Evonik news, the company has extended the contract of its chief human resources officer and labor director, Thomas Wessel, until 2028. Wessel, a member of the executive board since 2011, is also responsible for infrastructure and sustainability.

Arkema announced that Laurent Peyronneau has been named executive vice president of the Adhesive Solutions segment (Bostik) and will join the company’s executive committee. He succeeds Vincent Legros, who headed the segment for nine years, doubling its size, accelerating international expansion, and improving its operating margin.

Peyronneau, a materials scientist with extensive experience in the adhesives industry, has held various management positions within Arkema, most recently as director of Coating Additives. In his new role, he will be responsible for driving the strategic development of Bostik.

Hempel A/S has announced the appointment of Malgorzata (Gosha) Kolton as executive vice president and head of Marine, effective January 1, 2026.

Kolton joins Hempel from her role as EU vice president of Packaging Adhesives, Coatings and Sealants at Henkel where she successfully steered one of the company’s largest regional businesses through volatile market conditions and transformations over the last five years, consistently delivering strong results across Europe.

Kolton takes over the role from Alexander Enström who has chosen to step down, following careful consideration and a desire to focus on more specialized responsibilities. He will assume the new role of Head of New Build in Marine on January 1, 2026.

Tim O’Bryan, co-president of O’Bryan Barrel Company and former chair of the Reusable Industrial Packaging Association (RIPA), has been selected by industry peers to receive the 2025 Morris Hershson Award of Merit. RIPA presents the award to an individual for “distinguished and longstanding service” to the reusable industrial packaging industry.

Under his leadership, O’Bryan Barrel became the first company to obtain a Special Permit from the U.S. Department of Transportation to forego the annual design-type re-test period for steel drums. O’Bryan currently serves as RIPA International Committee chair and is a member of the RIPA planning committee for the 2026 International Conference on Industrial Packaging.

Oxea has announced the appointment of Ed Ray as CFO. He will lead the company’s long-term financial strategy, focusing on driving sustainable growth and maximizing shareholder value.

With more than 25 years of financial leadership experience in the global chemicals industry, Ray most recently served as CFO at OCI Methanol. Prior to that, he spent 18 years at Ecolab Inc., holding a variety of senior finance positions with increasing global responsibility.

Orion S.A. has announced that CFO Jeff Glajch will step down early in the fourth quarter of 2025. Glajch will continue to support Orion through the end of the year while a search is launched to identify his successor.

Michael Friede, CEO of Brenntag Specialties and a member of the Board of Management of Brenntag SE, will leave the company on good terms on November 30, 2025, and take on new management responsibilities outside of Brenntag. The company’s Supervisory Board has initiated the orderly succession process.

PPG has appointed Joe Gette, currently vice president, deputy general counsel, and secretary, as senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary, effective January 1, 2026. He will join the company’s operating and executive committees, reporting to PPG chairman and CEO Tim Knavish.

Gette will succeed Anne M. Foulkes, current senior vice president and general counsel, who announced her intent to retire. Effective January 1, Foulkes will serve as senior vice president, legal and special projects, to ensure a smooth transition of general counsel responsibilities and oversee certain projects for the company. She will continue to report to Knavish in this new executive leadership role.

Vortex Companies has promoted Ram Vela to chief strategy officer. Vela will be responsible for shaping and institutionalizing the company’s long-term strategic vision, and aligning growth initiatives across domestic and international markets. Vortex Companies is a global company offering trenchless water and sewer infrastructure solutions, including the manufacture of specialty mortars, polymeric coatings resins and cured-in-place-pipe liners. Vela’s promotion comes as the company continues to expand its global footprint through both organic and acquisitive efforts.

RPM International Inc. has named Matthew E. Schlarb as vice president—investor relations and sustainability, and Paul R. Darwin as vice president—procurement.

Schlarb joined RPM in 2022 as senior director—investor relations. His new responsibilities will include oversight of RPM’s Building a Better World sustainability initiative. Prior to joining RPM, he was vice president of investor relations at Lottery.com Inc.

Darwin, who has been with RPM for 17 years, will focus on executing the company’s multi-year global procurement strategy, as well as directing all activities of the corporate procurement function and providing direction to operating company purchasing teams.

Bodo Möller Chemie has appointed Jason Blyth as managing director for South Africa and Kenya. Blyth will coordinate business operations for the company’s business units in East and Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to expand the company’s regional presence for the long term and consolidate its position as a specialty chemicals provider in the region.

Blyth has over 20 years’ experience in chemicals distribution, including positions focused on strategic sales, market development, and cultivating client relationships. His purview has primarily revolved around chemical raw material solutions, especially coatings, adhesives, and formulated systems.

Covestro appointed Annie Chen, current head of Supply Chain and Logistic For Taiwan, Korea, New Zealand, and Australia, as managing director of Covestro Taiwan. Chen succeeds Carsten Wildebrand, who will return to the company’s headquarters in Germany.

Chen began at Covestro in 1996 at Covestro Taiwan’s predecessors, Bayer Taiwan and Bayer MaterialScience Taiwan. She has held diverse roles including sales, procurement, customer service, logistics, as well as Head of Supply Chain Center for Covestro Greater China.

Barentz has named Camiel Huisman new regional managing director for Central Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Huisman will provide strategic leadership across the region, working closely with local teams to ensure consistent and effective operations, aligned with Barentz’s values and local market needs. He will also serve as the legal representative for the EMEA countries.

Huisman’s experience in specialty distribution includes multiple commercial leadership roles in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Oxea has appointed Michael McHenry as its new CEO, effective Aug. 15, 2025.

McHenry has more than 30 years of experience in the international chemicals and materials industry. Most recently, he served as CEO of Techmer PM, a private equity-backed manufacturer of engineered materials. Prior to that, he held senior positions at Master Fluid Solutions, BASF, and Ciba Specialty Chemicals, overseeing business units in resins, additives, pigments, and coatings.

McHenry holds a degree in chemistry from Rutgers University and serves on the board of Share the Good Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting at-risk individuals.

AkzoNobel has announced the appointment of Fredrik Westin as CFO, effective January 1, 2026. He will succeed Maarten de Vries, who is completing his second four-year term as CFO and member of the board of management. With more than 25 years of international experience in the industrial and automotive sectors, Westin most recently served as CFO and executive vice-president at Autoliv. Previous roles included CFO at Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, and Johnson Controls.

IMCD N.V., a global partner for the distribution and formulation of specialty chemicals and ingredients, announced that Andreas Igerl, currently regional president of APAC and a member of the IMCD Executive Committee, has been appointed regional president of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) effective September 1. In this new role, he will assume leadership of the global Industrial Business Groups progressively over the course of 2025. Narendra Varde, currently managing director of India, has been appointed president of Asia-Pacific (APAC), succeeding Andreas Igerl.

As part of a strategic realignment of its management board, Kansai Helios has named Bastian Krauss president and executive director of the Kansai Helios Group. Krauss, most recently executive vice president and executive director, will lead the group’s strategic development in a phase of intensified consolidation and integration.

Also announced as part of the restructuring, Dietmar Jost, previously president and executive director, will assume worldwide responsibility for the ACE Coatings segment; and Yoshihiro Tanaka, most recently executive director, will become global business director for the railway coatings sector.

In addition, Mitsuru Masunaga will remain executive vice president and executive director, while Frank Gläser will continue as executive director on the newly structured group management board.

BASF Canada, a subsidiary of BASF SE, has appointed Marian Van Hoek managing director. Van Hoek joined BASF Canada in 2015 and has held several key positions, including legal counsel and senior counsel. Most recently, she served as general counsel and chief compliance officer, and was a member of the Canadian leadership team and the Canadian executive committee.

Wacker Chemie AG’s supervisory board has extended the contract of executive board member, Christian Kirsten, for another five years. A member of the executive board since 2023, Kirsten’s contract was set to expire in 2026, and has been extended until 2031. Kirsten is responsible for the Silicones business division, sales, and the global production network.

Wacker Chemical Corporation has promoted Ato Taylor to vice president of Human Resources at the company’s regional headquarters in Ann Arbor, Mich. Taylor brings more than 15 years of human resources leadership experience to his new position. He joined Wacker Chemical Corporation in February 2024 as senior director of Human Resources Business Partners (HRBPs) for North and Central America (NCA). In his previous role, Taylor oversaw the NCA HRBP team and provided strategic HR leadership across the corporate functions and business divisions.

Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd. has named Jaewon Choi the new leader of its Tin Intermediates/PVC business unit. In this role, Choi will oversee the strategic direction and spearhead new business development to strengthen the company’s position in the global market. Choi will report directly to Hans Werhonig, leader group commercial, and be supported by Bouzid Hamcherif, who has been appointed deputy leader for the Tin Intermediates/PVC business unit in addition to his current responsibilities as leader of the Sub Business Unit PVC.

The ChemQuest Group, Inc. announced that Ramki Subramanian has joined its business development team as a vice president. Subramanian has 30 years’ experience in technology development/commercialization and business development in the specialty chemicals, advanced materials, and energy sectors. After spending much of his career with The Dow Chemical Co., in both the United States and India, Subramanian founded Lithe Power Storage Solutions to address the chronic power problem in India. He later served as senior vice president for petrochemicals business development with Reliance Industries Ltd., and most recently was managing director and global director for mobility with DowAksa USA LLC

ChemQuest also announced that three directors have joined the firm.

Geoffrey Webster, an accomplished R&D leader, has combined his chemical and engineering expertise to drive technological innovation, product development, and commercialization initiatives. He holds numerous patents, and has held technical leadership roles with companies such as PPG Industries and Eastman Chemical Co.

Philip Williams has valuable experience in general management and operational excellence, including the development and implementation of standards in manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, and change management. Williams most recently served as a senior practitioner with Performance Solutions by Milliken.

Paul Bryant has been actively involved in the coatings industry for nearly 60 years, working in sales and leadership roles with companies such as Sherwin-Williams Co. and PPG Industries. Bryant has been credited with assisting companies to exceed sales goals and drive operational efficiencies, as well as focus on training and safety initiatives.