Azelis announces new strategic appointments to support growth

4 July 2016

The Azelis Board of Directors announces strategic organisational changes to position the Group for further success. 

Supported by investors APAX and following the acquisition and successful integration of Azelis Americas, former Koda Distribution Group, Azelis now has a unique global footprint and is geared for the next phase of growth and expansion.

The Board is pleased to welcome Thijs Bakker as Chief Financial Officer. Thijs will join Azelis in September 2016 following the retirement of Martin Hollenhorst in August. Bringing a wealth of experience in the finance and the chemical industry, Thijs 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 Thijs was Finance Director Marine & Protective Coatings at AkzoNobel, based in Singapore.

In addition to this new appointment, further organisation changes in the Executive Committee will support Azelis’ development.

Asia represents a significant growth opportunity for Azelis. Following our rapid growth trajectory in China and Japan, we are strengthening our team in the region in order to further exploit the potential and accelerate our development, serving better our partners. As such, Laurent Nataf, currently Chief Operating Officer, is appointed CEO and President Asia Pacific, effective 1st August.

Anna Bertona, currently Chief Strategy and Principal Officer, will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer EMEA, also effective 1st August, to steer our market teams in the region and with a particular focus on Azelis principal development activities.

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.