Mark Nikolich has stepped into the role of chief executive of Braskem America in light of Fernando Musa’s promotion to become the group’s chief executive this week.
Nikolich, who joined Braskem six years ago, will be responsible for leading the company’s polypropylene and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene business units, including growth projects in the US.
“Braskem is committed to growing its business in North America,” he said. “My priority is to lead this growth for the organisation.”
Nikolich started his career in polypropylene sales for Himont in 1988. Previous employers have included Basell, Epsilon, and Sunoco, and he has worked in the polyolefins and olefins industries for more than 25 years. In 2010, he transitioned to Braskem after the acquisition of Sunoco Chemicals where he held various senior leadership positions in polymers, phenol and refining chemicals. Nikolich established and led Braskem’s operations in Europe for three years after the acquisition of Dow’s polypropylene business in 2011. He and his family returned to the US in 2014 where he accepted the position to lead Braskem’s polypropylene business unit in the US.
Speaking to Plastics in Packaging at K’2013 in Germany when he was running the European business, Nikolich said: “Braskem is a growth machine and since 2002 we have been growing through acquisition and organic growth every year. We’re obviously very large in South America but broadening our reach is very critical.”
By Steven Pacitti
Source: Plastics in Packaging
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