SINGAPORE: Azelis has announced the strategic organisational changes, including Asia, and a new appointment to the board of directors, to position the group for further success.
Supported by investors APAX and following the acquisition and successful integration of Azelis Americas, the former Koda Distribution Group, Azelis now has a unique global footprint and is geared for the next phase of growth and expansion.
Developments in Asia
Asia represents a significant growth opportunity for Azelis. Following a rapid growth trajectory in China and Japan in particular, the team in the region will be enhanced in order to further exploit the potential and accelerate development, serving better Azelis' partners.
Laurent Nataf is appointed CEO and president Asia Pacific, effective 1st August, and will be based in Singapore. Nataf was appointed group COO in 2012 and has been a member of Azelis' executive committee. He has held key positions during his service with Azelis, including business director for industrial chemicals and group business development director.
Other corporate appointments
The second key appointment is Anna Bertona, currently chief strategy and principal officer, will assume the role of chief operating officer (COO) EMEA, also effective 1st August, to steer Azelis' market teams in the region and with a particular focus on Azelis principal development activities. Bertona will remain based in Antwerp, Belgium.
The board is also pleased to welcome Thijs Bakker as chief financial officer (CFO). Bakker will join Azelis in September 2016 following the current CFO retirement of Martin Hollenhorst in August. Bringing a wealth of experience in the finance and the chemical industry, Bakker has worked for over 15 years for AkzoNobel in various finance roles in the Netherlands, US and across Asia Pacific. In his most recent assignment, Bakker was finance director marine & protective coatings at AkzoNobel, based in Singapore. He will be relocating to Antwerp, Belgium for his role.
Strengthening the board of directors
In parallel, the Azelis board of directors will be strengthened with the appointment of Michael J Roney, formerly CEO of Bunzl, the international distribution and outsourcing group, with operations in 29 countries and 4 continents.
"These are significant developments for Azelis; our new appointment and organisational changes within the Executive Committee in Asia, EMEA and at the HQ level will enable us to maximise our growth opportunities," said Dr Hans Joachim Muller, CEO of Azelis
"We will benefit from Michael's expertise and proven track record in distribution, drawing upon his extensive experience of expanding into new markets," added Dr Muller, commenting on the appointment of Michael Roney to the board of directors.
These positive developments will support Azelis as it looks to create value and expand further upon its leading position in speciality chemicals and innovative ingredients.
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