International. Evonik confirmed that Klaus Engel (60), Chairman of Evonik's Executive Board, will hand over the position to the designated successor, Christian Kullmann (47) in May. Engel leaves the company at the end of the Annual Shareholders' Meeting on May 23, 2017, when Kullmann will take over as chairman. The Council announced these decisions after the meeting held on 1 March.
"We want to thank Mr. Engel for his services to the company and his extraordinary achievements," said Werner Müller, Chairman of the Board. "Mr. Engel transformed Evonik into a conglomerate of a chemicals-focused company, has successfully completed its listing on the stock exchange and has developed to become a leading specialty chemicals company with incredible prospects." Müller specifically mentions the purchase of Air Products' special additives division, which Engel carried out in May 2016.
Engel was originally integrated into the Executive Board of the former Degussa in 2007, assuming his presidency in 2009. He worked closely with Christian Kullmann for several years. "Having spent more than three decades in fascinating management positions in the chemical industry, Evonik's tenth anniversary seems the right time to ensure a smooth transition and to deliver a very well-prepared ground for my successor," Engel said.
Christian Kullmann has worked at the company for 14 years and was appointed Vice Chairman of the Executive Board in May 2016. His responsibilities include strategy, mergers and acquisitions, legal, communications and investor relations. "I thank Mr. Engel for this trust," Kullmann said. "I am happy to take on this new role and thank the Board of Directors for the trust they place in me."
