Swiss specialty chemical firm Clariant appoints Conrad Keijzer as CEO
Swiss specialty chemical company Clariant announced the appointment of Conrad Keijzer as the company’s new chief executive officer effective January 1, 2021.
Keijzer, 52, is a Dutch citizen with a long and successful track record in the chemical industry, most notably his 24 years with the leading global paints and coatings manufacturer AkzoNobel. At AkzoNobel, he last held the position as CEO of the Performance Coatings Division and was a member of the Executive Committee. Most recently, Keijzer was CEO at Imerys, the French supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions.
“I am very happy to announce that, after an in-depth search process, Clariant’s Board of Directors has appointed Conrad Keijzer as the company’s new chief executive officer. This decision is fully supported by the Board representatives of our two major shareholders SABIC and the Süd-Chemie legacy shareholders. Our Group will benefit greatly from both his international experience and his track record in the specialty chemicals industry. With his impressive accomplishments in managing large industrial and chemical businesses, his experience in working in different regions, his proven focus on customer needs and his passion for sustainability, Conrad Keijzer is an excellent choice to guide Clariant into a successful future,” said Kottmann, executive chairman ad interim of Clariant.
Following Keijzer’s taking office, Kottmann will return to his position as chairman of the Clariant Board.
“I consider it a privilege to become the CEO of Clariant, an iconic company whose values are closely aligned to mine. Together with the experienced members of the executive committee, I look forward to untapping the full potential of this great company and to leading Clariant in the next phase of its important transformation into a high-value specialty chemicals company,” said Keijzer, CEO-designate.
Based in Muttenz, near Basel, Switzerland, Clariant has a total global workforce of 17,223. In the financial year 2019, Clariant recorded sales of CHF4.399 billion (USD4.9 billion) from its continuing businesses. The company reports in three business areas: Care Chemicals, Catalysis and Natural Resources. Clariant’s corporate strategy is based on five pillars: focus on innovation and R&D, add value with sustainability, reposition portfolio, intensify growth, and increase profitability. For more information, visit www.clariant.com.
