Chemicals and Life Sciences Tracker
People Moves

Barentz Appoints Rocky Prior as President Performance Materials North America

Barentz has appointed Rocky Prior as president of performance materials North America, succeeding Howard Hubert, who is retiring after more than 10 years with the company. Rocky brings extensive experience from leadership roles in specialty distribution, having worked at Azelis, Air Products, and Ace Hardware, alongside founding a specialty paint company and beginning his career as a coatings chemist.

Barentz Appoints Christian Barker as CCO, Global Head of Human Nutrition

Barentz has appointed Christian Barker as chief commercial officer, global head of human nutrition, and executive board member, following the departure of Gökhan Oran. Christian joins from a leading biosolutions company, where he scaled the health and nutrition business fivefold through innovation, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, following a 15-year career in management consultancy advising on consumer, food, and life sciences sectors.

Kincell Bio Appoints Larry Pitcher as COO

Kincell Bio has appointed Larry Pitcher as chief operating officer, bringing extensive experience in contract development and manufacturing for advanced therapies. Larry previously led Catalent’s gene therapy sites, scaling commercial manufacturing and driving revenue growth, and held leadership roles at Thermo Fisher and Brammer Bio, focusing on cell and gene therapies.

Akari Therapeutics Appoints Abizer Gaslightwala President and CEO

Akari Therapeutics has appointed Abizer Gaslightwala as president and CEO, effective April 2025, succeeding Samir R. Patel, who will remain on the board. Gaslightwala brings 25 years of pharmaceutical experience, most recently as SVP and franchise head for US oncology at Jazz Pharmaceuticals, managing a $1 billion portfolio. He has also held leadership roles at Amgen, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson. 

Coronado Research Appoints Gary Lyons as EVP Medical Affairs

Coronado Research has appointed Gary Lyons as EVP medical affairs, bringing extensive expertise in medical communications and strategic team-building. Previously leading agency business units, Lyons has developed cross-functional medical affairs teams optimising drug development and commercialisation. 

Ingevity Appoints Michael Shukov as SVP and President of Advanced Polymer Technologies

Ingevity has appointed Michael Shukov as senior vice president and president of advanced polymer technologies, effective March 2025. Shukov brings over 25 years of experience in specialty chemicals, having held leadership roles at PPG Industries, Solvay Group, Dow Chemical Company, and Rohm and Haas.

Ingevity Appoints David Li as President and CEO

Ingevity has appointed David Li as president and CEO, effective April 2025, succeeding Luis Fernandez-Moreno, who will remain on the board. Li has over 25 years of experience in specialty materials and was CEO of CMC Materials, driving a record $1.2 billion revenue and a 30% adjusted EBITDA margin.

Harbour BioMed Appoints Michael Patten as Chief Strategy Officer

Harbour BioMed has appointed Michael Patten as chief strategy officer, with responsibilities for global corporate development and growth strategy. Patten, who previously held senior leadership roles at Bristol Myers Squibb, will also oversee Harbour BioMed’s global strategic partnerships, with a focus on expanding its presence in high-potential markets outside of China.

PranaX Appoints Phillip Maderia as CEO

PranaX Corporation has appointed Phillip Maderia as chief executive officer, bringing over three decades of leadership in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Maderia, previously at Lonza, spearheaded the expansion of its exosome business and was instrumental in Lonza’s acquisition of Codiak BioSciences.

Elementis Appoints Luc van Ravenstein as CEO

Elementis has announced that Luc van Ravenstein will assume the role of chief executive officer on 29 April 2025, succeeding Paul Waterman. Van Ravenstein, who has been with Elementis for 13 years, previously led the company's largest business segment, overseeing their transformation and significant growth.

BASF Appoints Heather Remley as North American CEO

BASF has appointed Heather Remley as the new President & CEO of BASF Corporation in North America, effective April 1, 2025, succeeding Marc Ehrhardt. She brings over 26 years of leadership experience, including senior roles at Air Products, where she managed large-scale operations and global engineering initiatives.

Syner-G BioPharma Group Appoint Chris Erickson as COO

Syner-G BioPharma Group has appointed Chris Erickson as Chief Operating Officer, bringing over 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical services. He previously held senior leadership roles at Cytel and PAREXEL, where he drove global expansion, commercial strategy, and M&A integration. His leadership is expected to enhance Syner-G’s operational growth and customer-focused initiatives.

Sygnature Discovery Appoints Kieron Hall as Chief Commercial Officer and Board Member

Sygnature Discovery has appointed Kieron Hall as its new chief commercial officer and board member to support its strategic vision and growth objectives. Hall, who previously served as chief commercial officer at Quotient Sciences, brings extensive experience in leading global commercial teams, scaling businesses, and managing M&A integrations, aligning with Sygnature Discovery’s commitment to scientific excellence and customer partnerships.

UBE Corporation Appoints Yuki Nishida as President and CEO

UBE Corporation has announced that Yuki Nishida will assume the role of president and CEO, while Masato Izumihara will become chairman of the board, effective 1 April 2025. Nishida, previously senior managing executive officer, has held key roles in the company since 1987 and contributed to its long-term strategic vision.

Boehringer Ingelheim Appoints Brian Hilberdink as President, Human Pharma

Boehringer Ingelheim has appointed Brian Hilberdink as president of its U.S. Human Pharma Division. Hilberdink, previously EVP at LEO Pharma, has over 25 years of experience in global pharmaceutical leadership, specialising in product launches, including multiple blockbusters and rare disease biologics. 

Denka Appoints Ikuo Ishida as new President and CEO

Denka, a Japan-based chemical company, has appointed Ikuo Ishida as representative director, president, and CEO. Kazuo Takahashi, the current representative director and senior managing executive officer, will transition to the role of director and executive fellow. Ishida was previously serving as a director and managing executive officer at Denka.

Ephicacy Appoints Tara Gladwell as CEO

Ephicacy, a growing biometrics CRO, has appointed Tara Gladwell as chief executive officer, with founder Ganesh Gopal transitioning to chairman and president to support strategic growth. Gladwell brings nearly three decades of industry experience, including her role as president at Rho, where she led the company's growth strategy.

Abzena Appoints Taylor Boyd as Chief Business Officer

Abzena has appointed Taylor Boyd as chief business officer to lead corporate development, portfolio strategy, and partnering initiatives. Boyd brings extensive experience in strategic transactions and capital raising, having previously served in leadership roles at Longboard Pharmaceuticals and Oxford Biomedica.

Merck Appoints Jean-Charles Wirth as CEO Life Science 

Merck has announced the appointment of Jean-Charles Wirth as CEO of its Life Science division, effective June 1, 2025. Wirth, who currently leads Science & Lab Solutions within Merck’s Life Science sector, will succeed Matthias Heinzel, who is stepping down to pursue other opportunities after a successful tenure. The transition will take place over a 90-day period, ensuring smooth leadership continuity. 

Merck Appoints Danny Bar-Zohar as CEO Healthcare

Danny Bar-Zohar has been appointed as CEO of Merck’s Healthcare division, succeeding Peter Guenter, who will retire in June 2025. Bar-Zohar, currently Global Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer, will lead the division through its next phase of growth. 

Merck Expands Executive Board with Khadija Ben Hammada as Chief People Officer

Merck has appointed Khadija Ben Hammada as Chief People Officer, effective March 1, 2025. Ben Hammada will also oversee Corporate Sustainability, Quality & Trade Compliance, Inhouse Consulting, and Site Management at Merck's headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. This appointment highlights the company’s commitment to long-term growth and organizational resilience.

Johnson Matthey Appoints Richard Pike as CFO

Johnson Matthey has appointed Richard Pike as chief financial officer, effective 1 April 2025, succeeding Stephen Oxley. He joins from DS Smith Plc, bringing extensive financial leadership experience from DS Smith, Biffa, and AB Sugar, with a focus on cash generation and cost efficiency in Johnson Matthey’s transformation strategy.

Venator Materials Appoints Bart de Jong as CFO

Venator Materials has appointed Bart de Jong as chief financial officer, expanding his leadership role alongside his existing board of directors role. Previously CFO at Cyclomedia Technology BV, Bart has held senior finance roles at LyondellBasell Industries, USG People, and Ordina. He brings extensive financial expertise to support Venator’s strategic priorities and operational efficiency.

Venator Materials Appoints Mahomed Maiter as Executive Vice President, Strategy

Venator Materials has promoted Mahomed Maiter to executive vice president, strategy, transitioning from his previous role as chief operating officer and EVP of business operations. With his extensive industry experience, Mahomed will lead the company’s long-term strategic direction, ensuring alignment with evolving market demands and growth objectives.

Sumitomo Chemical Appoints Nobuaki Mito as Chairman and President

Sumitomo Chemical has appointed Nobuaki Mito as chairman and president following a resolution at the board of directors meeting on February 3, 2025. The nomination advisory committee selected Mito after assessing candidates based on leadership, vision, technological insight, and international experience to navigate the company’s growth and financial stability in a rapidly evolving business environment.

Air Products Appoints Eduardo Menezes as CEO 

Air Products has appointed Eduardo Menezes as CEO following the departure of Seifi Ghasemi, leveraging his extensive experience in the industrial gases sector. Menezes, previously an executive vice president at Linde, brings over three decades of global leadership across key industry segments, positioning Air Products for continued growth and shareholder value creation. 

Air Products Appoints Wayne Smith as Chairman

Air Products' board of directors has appointed Wayne Smith as chairman to work closely with CEO Eduardo Menezes and the leadership team. Smith’s industry expertise and strategic oversight will support the company’s long-term vision, reinforcing its competitive position in the industrial gas sector.

CS Analytical Promotes Brandon Zurawlow as COO

CS Analytical Laboratory has promoted Brandon Zurawlow from chief scientific officer to chief operations officer, advancing from his role as chief scientific officer. With over 14 years of experience specific to container and package system qualification testing, Zurawlow will now oversee company operations to support continued growth and market expansion.

Kemira Appoints Simon Bloem as COO

Simon Bloem has been appointed chief operations officer of Kemira’s newly centralised operations unit, effective 1 May 2025. He joins from Envalior and brings over 25 years of experience from Royal DSM, where he held leadership roles in engineering, safety, manufacturing, and operations. At Envalior he’s been VP global manufacturing materials since 2023.

Daniela Vlad Steps Down from OMV Executive Board

Daniela Vlad will step down from the OMV executive board and her role as EVP of chemicals by mutual agreement on 28 February 2025. Her responsibilities will be reassigned to other board members. OMV has recognised her leadership in strengthening the company’s financial performance and advancing its sustainable chemicals strategy over the past two years.

Perstorp Appoints Gorm Jensen as Managing Director 

Perstorp Group, a subsidiary of PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad, is restructuring its leadership within PCG Specialty Chemicals (PCG SC) to strengthen its specialty chemicals business. As part of this transition, Ib Jensen will step down as President & CEO, with Gorm Jensen, currently EVP for Commercial & Innovation, appointed as Managing Director of Perstorp Holding AB.

Steriline Appoints Paolo Pozzi Chief Service Officer

Steriline has appointed Paolo Pozzi as chief service officer to enhance its after-sales division and service quality. With over 20 years of experience in packaging systems and customer service management across multinational companies, Pozzi brings expertise in improving service efficiency and customer responsiveness. 

Manali Petrochemicals Appoints Shivaram Narayanan as COO

Manali Petrochemicals has appointed Shivaram Narayanan as Chief Operating Officer, effective 20 January 2025. With over 30 years of experience in the chemical and petrochemical sectors, he previously worked with the company from 1994 to 2007 in procurement and marketing roles.

Shell Appoints Machteld de Haan as Director of Downstream, Renewables, and Energy Solutions

Shell has announced the appointment of Machteld de Haan as Director of Downstream, Renewables, and Energy Solutions, effective 1 April 2025, succeeding Huibert Vigeveno. Machteld de Haan, who has served in senior roles across Shell since 1998, brings extensive experience in downstream operations, including chemicals, lubricants, and mobility, ensuring a strong foundation for the ongoing transformation strategy.

Brenntag SE appoints Thomas Reisten as CFO

Brenntag SE has appointed Thomas Reisten as Chief Financial Officer, effective 1 April 2025, succeeding Kristin Neumann. Thomas Reisten, who brings decades of financial and operational expertise from his tenure at Vantage Towers AG and Vodafone Group, will lead key financial and strategic operations to support Brenntag’s transformation and future growth initiatives.

Chambal Fertilisers Appoints Vivek Misra as Business Head of TAN

Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited has appointed Vivek Misra as Business Head of TAN, effective 9 January 2025. With over two decades of experience, Misra has held senior roles at Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals, Orica Group, and ICI India, bringing extensive expertise in product management and business transformation to his new role.

BASF Appoints Jens Liebermann as Managing Director of BASF Taiwan

BASF has announced Jens Liebermann as the Managing Director of BASF Taiwan, effective 1 January 2025. In addition to his new role, Liebermann will continue as Vice President, Business Management Semiconductor Materials, leveraging over 17 years of expertise in automotive coatings, semiconductor materials, and strategy development.

Freudenberg Medical Appoints Michael McGee as CEO

Freudenberg Medical has appointed Michael McGee as CEO, effective 1 January 2025, succeeding Dr Mark Ostwald. With over 30 years in the medical device industry, McGee’s leadership reflects Freudenberg’s commitment to advancing customer-centric innovation and operational excellence.

DMC Biotechnologies Appoints Jim Flatt as CEO

DMC Biotechnologies has appointed Dr. Jim Flatt as Chief Executive Officer to lead the company’s next growth phase. Dr. Flatt brings over 30 years of experience in biotechnology and biomanufacturing. He has a proven track record of commercialising innovations and scaling operations, drawing on his previous senior leadership experience at Brightseed, Hampton Creek, and Martek Biosciences.

IDT Biologika Appoints Federico Pollano as Chief Commercial Officer

IDT Biologika, a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has appointed Federico Pollano as Chief Commercial Officer, effective 1 March 2025. Pollano brings extensive experience from leadership roles at global CDMOs, including his role as Vice President Business Development at Rentschler Biopharma where he led business development and sales operations.

Barentz Appoints Derk Jan Terhorst as Group CEO

Barentz, a leading global specialty ingredients solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Derk Jan Terhorst as Group CEO, effective 1 January 2025, succeeding Terry Hill. Derk Jan, previously Group CFO, brings extensive expertise from roles at Ahold Delhaize and Tony’s Chocolonely, ensuring Barentz’s continued growth and strategic success.

Safic-Alcan Appoints Matthias Pfaffernoschke to Executive Committee

Safic-Alcan has appointed Matthias Pfaffernoschke to its Executive Committee, effective January 2025, recognising his success as Managing Director of Safic-Alcan Deutschland GmbH and Safic-Alcan Switzerland AG since 2019. With extensive expertise in product development and market expansion, Pfaffernoschke is set to bolster the company’s leadership in the chemical distribution sector.

Thyssenkrupp Nucera Extends CEO Contract and Appoints New CFO

Thyssenkrupp Nucera, a large-scale water electrolysis technology company, has extended CEO Werner Ponikwar’s contract until 2030 and appointed Stefan Hahn as CFO, effective March 2025. Hahn, joining from Thyssenkrupp AG, will succeed Arno Pfannschmidt, ensuring continuity in leadership as the company advances in the hydrogen market.

Arxada Appoints Maëlys Castella as Audit Committee Chair

Arxada has appointed Maëlys Castella as Chair of the Audit Committee and a member of its Board of Directors. Castella’s extensive experience at AkzoNobel in financial strategy and governance strengthens Arxada’s focus on financial discipline and strategic growth.

Nufarm Appoints Brendan Ryan CFO

Nufarm Limited has appointed Brendan Ryan as CFO after Paul Townsend has made the decision to step down from his role as CFO. Brendan comes to Nufarm with over two decades of senior leadership experience at Fonterra Cooperative Group, as divisional CFO. He has also held roles at Bonlac Foods, Pfizer, and BDO.

Siegfried Appoints Stefan Randl as Chief Scientific Officer

Siegfried has appointed Stefan Randl as Chief Scientific Officer and Executive Committee member, effective 1 January 2025. Randl, who succeeds Jürgen Roos, brings 16 years of leadership experience at Evonik, where he held roles across Germany, the US, and Asia, including Vice President of Innovation Management Health Care.

Celanese Appoints Scott Richardson as CEO

Scott Richardson has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Celanese Corporation, a global chemical and specialty materials company, succeeding Lori Ryerkerk, effective 1 January 2025. Richardson, with over two decades at Celanese, has served as Chief Operating Officer and previously led the Engineered Materials and Acetyl Chain businesses.

Euroapi Appoints Emmanuel Blin as Independent Chair of the Board of Directors

Emmanuel Blin has been appointed as Independent Chair of Euroapi’s Board of Directors, succeeding Viviane Monges. Blin, a seasoned pharmaceutical executive and former Bristol Myers Squibb Chief Strategy Officer, brings extensive experience to strengthen Euroapi’s industry leadership.

Euroapi Appoints David Seignolle as CEO

David Seignolle has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Euroapi, succeeding Elizabeth Bastoni as interim leader. Seignolle, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer, joined Euroapi from TEVA Pharmaceuticals, where he held senior roles such as the Vice President of global supply chain API and biologics in Italy and Mexico.

Intrepid Potash Appoints Kevin Crutchfield as CEO

Intrepid Potash has appointed Kevin Crutchfield as Chief Executive Officer and Board Director. Crutchfield, a seasoned mining industry leader, brings decades of expertise in global operations and strategic growth, with prior roles as CEO of Compass Minerals, Alpha Natural Resources, and Contura Energy, where he spearheaded several acquisitions.

Dow Appointment of Karen Carter as COO 

Dow has appointed Karen Carter, previously President of its packaging and specialty plastics business, as Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Carter, who brings over 30 years of leadership experience at Dow, will oversee the company's operating segments and lead initiatives to enhance customer engagement, innovation, and operational efficiency.

National Resilience Appoints William Marth as CEO 

National Resilience (Resilience), a biomanufacturing company focused on expanding access to advanced medicines, has announced the appointment of William S. Marth, RPh., MBA, as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. With extensive experience, Marth previously served as President and COO, where he led the company’s development, manufacturing, and commercial operations.

LyondellBasell Appoints Agustin Izquierdo as CFO

LyondellBasell has announced that Agustin Izquierdo will succeed Michael McMurray as chief financial officer, effective 1 March 2025, following McMurray's retirement. Izquierdo, currently serving as senior vice president, brings extensive leadership experience from roles at BASF and Morgan Stanley, positioning him to lead the company's financial strategy.

Metrion Biosciences Appoints Lee Patterson as CEO

Metrion Biosciences has appointed Lee Patterson as chief executive officer, effective 2 December 2024, succeeding Andrew Southan. Formerly CEO of Charnwood Discovery, Patterson brings extensive experience in preclinical CRO growth and global market leadership. He will lead Metrion's ambitious growth strategy, focusing on enhancing specialist services and expanding into key global markets.

Brenntag CEO Christian Kohlpaintner to Step Down

Christian Kohlpaintner, CEO of Brenntag SE since 2020, has announced his decision to not extend his contract, which ends on 31 December 2025. The supervisory board will now begin an orderly succession process, ensuring continuity as Kohlpaintner continues to lead during Brenntag's transformative growth and operational improvement initiatives.

Air Products Announces Board Director Nominee Bhavesh Patel

Air Products has announced the nomination of Bhavesh Patel, former CEO of W.R. Grace and LyondellBasell and former President of Standard Industries, to its board of directors at the 2025 Annual Meeting. With 35 years of experience in global chemicals, materials, and management roles, Patel is expected to bring valuable expertise in overseeing complex transformations and growth initiatives.

Air Products Nominates Alfred Stern for Election as Board of Director

Air Products plans to nominate Alfred Stern, CEO and Executive Board Chairman of OMV Group, to its board at the 2025 Annual Meeting. Currently serving as Supervisory Board Chairman of OMV Petrom and formerly CEO of Borealis, Stern brings 29 years of experience in global energy and chemicals, with a strong track record in leading large-scale international projects that align with Air Products’ focus on energy transition and sustainability.

Quaker Houghton Appoints Joseph Berquist as CEO and President

Quaker Houghton has appointed Joseph Berquist as CEO and President, succeeding Andy Tometich. Berquist brings extensive leadership experience, having previously served as Executive Vice President, where he co-led the integration of the 2019 Quaker Houghton merger, nearly doubling the company’s size and delivering over $80 million in synergies.

Innovaderm Research Appoints Ina Zschocke as EVP, European Operations and Strategy

Innovaderm, a clinical research organisation specialising in dermatology and rheumatology, has appointed Ina Zschocke as Executive Vice President for European Operations and Strategy. With over 20 years of clinical research expertise, Zschocke will oversee European operations, drive growth, and enhance operational efficiency while expanding Innovaderm’s rheumatology capabilities. 

Weekly Highlights
18th November 2024

Ilham Kadri, CEO of Syensqo, has been re-elected as President of Cefic

Ilham Kadri, CEO of Syensqo, has been re-elected as President of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) for a two-year term. Kadri’s leadership continues to drive sustainable and competitive initiatives for the European chemical industry, with a focus on fostering collaboration between industry leaders and policymakers.

Nicky Huang Appointed Managing Director of IMCD China and IMCD Sanrise

IMCD has appointed Nicky Huang as Managing Director for IMCD China and IMCD Sanrise. With over 16 years of experience in senior management, including her role as Regional Sales Manager at A. Schulman, Huang will oversee the integration and development of IMCD’s businesses in China, building on the transformation she led at IMCD China since 2023.

Longeveron Appoints Devin Blass as CTO and SVP of CMC

Longeveron, a clinical-stage regenerative medicine biotechnology company, has appointed Devin Blass as Chief Technology Officer and SVP of Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls, effective December 2024. Blass brings over 15 years of experience in advanced therapy development and manufacturing, previously holding leadership roles at Talaris Therapeutics and New York Blood Centre’s CDMO division.

Altimmune Appoints Greg Weaver as CFO

Altimmune, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has appointed Greg Weaver as Chief Financial Officer. With over 25 years of experience in finance, including roles at Cognito Therapeutics and atai Life Sciences, Weaver’s expertise in capital market transactions and strategic finance is expected to support Altimmune’s growth and lead programme advancements.

Arvinder Singh Sahney Appointed Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation

Arvinder Singh Sahney has been appointed chairman of Indian Oil Corporation, bringing nearly three decades of experience in the energy sector. His leadership in projects such as the Paradip Refinery and the upcoming mega petrochemical complex at Paradip is expected to strengthen IndianOil’s position in the petrochemical industry and support its sustainable energy goals.

Harbour BioMed Appoints Raymond Zheng as Chief Business Officer

Harbour BioMed has appointed Raymond Zheng as Chief Business Officer, where he will lead global business development and alliance management. Zheng, formerly the founder and CSO of Urica Therapeutics, brings a track record of advancing clinical assets, transformative partnerships, and leadership roles at Fortress Biotech and Agenus to Harbour BioMed's innovative antibody therapeutics pipeline.