Azelis announces appointments in Asia, EMEA

GLOBAL speciality chemicals distributor Azelis is undergoing strategic organizational changes including in Asia. The company headquartered in Luxembourg has also announced the appointment to the Board of Directors.

Supported by investors APAX and following the acquisition and 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.

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 the new Azelis CEO and President for Asia Pacific

Laurent Nataf is appointed CEO and President Asia Pacific, effective 1 August 2016, and will be based in Singapore. Mr Nataf was appointed Group Chief Operating Officer 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.

Azelis currently has operations in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Anna Bertona is appointed Chief Operating Officer EMEA

Other corporate appointments

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

The Board welcomes Thijs Bakker as Chief Financial Officer who joins Azelis in September 2016 following the retirement of Martin Hollenhorst in August.  Bringing a wealth of experience in the finance and the chemical industry, He 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 Mr Bakker was Finance Director Marine & Protective Coatings at AkzoNobel, based in Singapore. He will be relocating to Antwerp, Belgium for his role.

Dr Hans Joachim Müller, Azelis Chief Executive Officer, said: “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.”

Thijs Bakker is new Chief Financial Officer 

Strengthening the Board of Directors

In parallel, the Azelis Board of Directors will be strengthened with the appointment of Michael J Roney, formerly Chief Executive Officer of Bunzl, the international distribution and outsourcing group, listed on the London Stock Exchange FTSE 100 index, with operations spanning 29 countries and 4 continents. He retired from Bunzl earlier this year, having served as CEO since 2005 and prior to that as non-executive director. Under his leadership of more than 10 years, Mr Bunzl moved into the FTSE 100, made more than 100 acquisitions and had a compound annual TSR of 17 percent. His experience will provide Azelis the support it needs in setting the strategic direction for the business.

Michael J Roney, formerly Chief Executive Officer of Bunzl, is now part of Azelis Board of Directors