New Managing Director appointment – Azelis Canada

2 June 2014

Azelis in Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Frans J. des Tombe as Managing Director, effective 2nd June 2014, replacing Tony Craske, who will now be based in Europe as International Business Director, Azelis Personal Care.

Joan Traynor, Regional Managing Director, UK, Nordic & Americas states, “We are delighted to welcome Frans to the Group.  He has a proven track record of profitable business development within speciality chemicals, a strong background in operational leadership and sales management, coupled with wide ranging knowledge of the Canadian chemical distribution market.”

Most recently, Frans J.des Tombe was Vice President for DSN Chemical Transportation, a third party logistics company specialising in the movement of hazardous materials and temperature controlled chemical freight. 

Prior to that, he spent over 25 years in various senior roles within Cognis Canada Corporation (which was acquired by BASF in 2010), a global leader in speciality chemicals.  Ultimately serving as Managing Director for 6 years, Frans J.des Tombe was responsible for all functions in support of the Personal Care, Nutrition & Health and Functional Products Business Units.

Tony Craske adds, “I know that I am leaving Azelis Canada in good hands.  Frans brings a wealth of corporate and business knowledge with a global outlook and strong local focus.”

Frans J. des Tombe said, “I look forward to working with the very capable Azelis team in Canada to further grow our business across new markets.  In line with Azelis’ strategy, we aim to maximise synergies whilst enhancing our product offering and service provision, to better serve customers and principals.”

Des Tombe was elected by his peers to the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association of Chemical Distributors (CACD) in June 2010 and remains an active member of the association.  He will report directly to Joan Traynor.