Clariant appoints new head of leather, textile and paper businesses
19/03/2009
Specialty chemicals company Clariant has appointed Mathias Lütgendorf as the new head of its leather, textile and paper businesses. In keeping with this, he will become a member of the company's executive committee from April 1, 2009.
Peter Brandenberg, currently head of the leather, textiles and paper chemicals division will retire after a highly successful career with Clariant spanning 38 years, including 14 years as a member of the executive committee.
At the same time, Clariant has announced the decision to separate its leather, textile and paper business units from each other by the end of 2009. The company has said this move will enable each business to be managed as a stand alone unit, providing "the operational and strategic flexibility required to improve their profitability". The three business unit heads, as well as the heads of controlling and production and technology of the current structure will report directly to Mathias Lütgendorf.
Dr Lütgendorf was member of the executive committee of DyStar until the end of 2008, with responsibility for global operations. Prior to this he had held several management positions within DyStar and Hoechst. He holds a PhD in chemistry from the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule in Aachen.
On announcing the new appointment, Clariant's chief executive, Hariolf Kottmann, commented: "I am very pleased with the appointment of Mathias Lütgendorf. He is a senior executive from the chemical industry. His skills and experience will ensure we navigate our leather, textile and paper businesses through difficult times, while at the same time increasing our footprint in Asia. In particular, I want to thank Peter Brandenberg for his dedication and commitment throughout his lifelong career with our company. He successfully assumed many different management functions in four continents and leaves a strong impression in our company. Under his leadership the leather, textile and paper division has made significant progress in increasing its competitiveness."
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