SONGWON announces unexpected death of CEO Maurizio Butti
Photo courtesy of SONGWON

SONGWON announces unexpected death of CEO Maurizio Butti

The Board of Directors of SONGWON Industrial Group announced with deep sadness, the unexpected death of the company’s CEO, Maurizio Butti, 62, on Saturday, 7 September 2019.

“The entire SONGWON family mourns the sudden loss of our CEO. With the organization since 2006, Maurizio was an inspiring leader, managing the company with humor, integrity and passion. His dedication to the transformation and development of the company was immense. On behalf of SONGWON’s management team and employees, we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Maurizio’s family at this very sad and difficult time,” said Jongho Park, SONGWON chairman.

In the interim, Park will serve as acting CEO while the company works on the succession planning.

As CEO, Butti spearheaded the implementation of all the Group’s business and day-to-day operating activities, from revenue and sales growth, expenses, cost and margin control to monthly, quarterly and annual financial goal management. He provided strategic direction at SONGWON and oversaw all functions within the organization from innovation and production to regulatory and EH&S. Working closely with each division, he also led the Group’s business development and sustainability efforts. This involved translating SONGWON’s strategy into operational initiatives and performance in order to enhance productivity, efficiency and profitability.

Leading with exemplary dedication, Butti motivated and empowered every level of the organization. With his approachable but results-driven leadership style, unwavering belief in SONGWON and its strong unified team, he built a solid foundation for a prosperous future for SONGWON in the specialty chemicals industry.

Before joining the organization in 2006, Maurizio was executive vice president, Polymer Stabilizers and member of the Chief Executive Council of U.S.-based Great Lakes Chemical Corporation. Prior to that, he held various marketing, business, strategic planning and corporate development management positions at Great Lakes, Enichem and SOL Industries.

Butti received his Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering in 1982 from the Polytechnic of Milan, and an MBA in 1987 from the Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.

SONGWON, which was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Ulsan, South Korea, is a leader in the development, production and supply of specialty chemicals. The second-largest manufacturer of polymer stabilizers worldwide, SONGWON Industrial Group operates companies all over the world, offering the combined benefits of a global framework and readily accessible local organizations.