Ilham Kadri, CEO of Syensqo, takes on the role as president of the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), succeeding Martin Brudermueller, effective 6th May.
During her 30-year career, Kadri has held various positions at leading companies. Her responsibilities have included research & development, strategy, business and digital in industries spanning automotive, aerospace, oil & gas, mining, water desalination, construction, consumer goods, food service, hospitality and healthcare.
She holds a degree in chemical engineering from L’École des Hauts Polymères in Strasbourg, and a PhD in macromolecular physico-chemistry from Strasbourg’s Louis Pasteur University. Before becoming the industry association’s president, Kadri served as CEFIC’s vice president.
Kadri commented: “I am honored to take on this role, in what is a pivotal moment for Europe and Europeans, industry at large and the European chemical industry itself.”
She added: “Our industry has long committed to Europe’s climate neutrality and circularity goals, there has been no question about what we are trying to achieve. With the Antwerp Declaration, which is supported by more than 1100 organizations, spanning 25 sectors, we have laid out how we need to achieve it. In the coming months, our ambition is to see Europe putting industry competitiveness at the heart of Europe’s decision making.”
BASF has signed an agreement to sell its extruded polystyrene (XPS) Styrodur business to Karl Bachl Kunststoffverarbeitung, a fellow German company, as part of its strategy to focus on expandable polystyrene (EPS).
The approximately 50 employees involved in production, marketing, and sales will remain with BASF.
Barentz, a player in the speciality ingredients sector, has appointed Derk Jan Terhorst as group chief executive officer, effective immediately. Terhorst succeeds Terry Hill, who served as Interim CEO since May 2024. With over three years of experience at Barentz as Group CFO, Terhorst brings a robust background in financial management and strategic oversight.
Former Dow president and CEO Paul Oreffice died on Dec. 26 at his home in Paradise Valley, Arizona. He was 97. During Oreffice’s tenure at Dow, he is often credited with transforming the company from an American-focused industrial power into a global leader in chemicals and plastics.
