Dsm-firmenich’s Thomas Leysen is retiring as Chair of the Board of Directors, and the board has proposed Richard Ridinger (pictured above) as his successor.
Leysen will step down from his role at the fragrance and flavours maker once his successor has been elected by the shareholders on 19 October, allowing him to “devote more time to his other corporate and non-profit mandates”.
He has been “instrumental” in helping shape a “strong and resilient organisation”, providing steady guidance through a period of significant change and challenging market conditions, read a company statement.
Richard Ridinger, an Independent Director of dsm-firmenich, has been unanimously proposed by the board to take on the role.
Shareholders will be asked to approve his appointment at the company’s Extraordinary General Shareholders Meeting (EGM) in October.
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"With dsm-firmenich now fully operating as one company, the portfolio tuning nearing completion with the closing of the ANH sale foreseen later this year, the Executive Committee rejuvenated, and the margin improvement programme well underway, it is an opportune moment to hand over to a new chair,” said Leysen.
“Richard has all the requisite experience to help bring dsm-firmenich to the next level.
“It has been a pleasure and an honour to chair the board during the formative stages of this unique company.”
Ridinger has executive and board-level experience in global, innovation-led businesses across pharma, home care, personal care, nutrition and health.
He is cited as having “a deep understanding” of dsm-firmenich, read a company statement.
"Dsm-firmenich has come a long way in recent years and today stands on a strong foundation for the future,” said Ridinger.
“I am deeply honoured by the board’s trust, and I look forward to shaping the company’s next chapter together with the board and the Executive Committee.”
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