Azelis Holding SA has named Hans-Joachim Müller as the company's new CEO as Joris Coppye steps down. The company has also gained a capital increase to fund future growth supporting the new CEO’s mandate for expansion.
“There are additional areas for growth that can be developed further," says Müller. "Among these are our business plans in Asia Pacific as well as projects to selectively acquire new mandates and businesses in Europe and other regions. We have a clear focus to further bolster our position as the leading distributor of specialty chemicals.”
Müller joins Azelis from Clariant where he was on the executive committee. His responsibilities included the catalysis and energy, emulsions, detergents and intermediates and oil and mining services business units. He also held positions at Süd-Chemie and BASF.
The company’s existing shareholders, in August 2012, injected a capital increase of €30 million, with the majority being provided by 3i, an international investor focusing on private equity, infrastructure and debt management. The additional funding will allow Azelis to further strengthen its relationships with key principals and financial partners in order to meet the group's growth targets over the next few years.
Laurent Nataf will take over the responsibility for European operations in addition to his current role within Azelis as group business development director. Laurent has experience in the chemical distribution industry and has worked with Azelis for more than 10 years.
Müller will also appoint a new CFO in the future. After three years as CFO during the company's period of business transformation and completing Azelis' recapitalization in August, Günther Krausser will become non-executive director for Azelis' board. Krausser will remain available to facilitate the transition period until a new CFO is appointed.
