Dr. Claas-Jürgen Klasen appointed as President Evonik Greater China region
Dr. Claas-Jürgen Klasen has been appointed as President Greater China region of Evonik Industries effective January 1, 2015. He succeeds Dr. Hans-Josef Ritzert, who will repatriate to Germany and take over the new position as a Managing Director for Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH.
“I am convinced that Dr. Klasen, with broad experience and strong track record, will lead the Greater China organization to achieve further development in the region. I wish him every success in his new role,” said Dr. Klaus Engel, CEO and Chairman of the Excecutive Board of Evonik.
Dr. Claas-Jürgen Klasen joined the former Degussa AG in 1990 as a process engineer. After performing several management functions in Process Technology, he took charge of the investment project to build the Integrated Methacrylates production facility in Shanghai, China from 2006 to 2009. Since 2009, he has been responsible for the Evonik’s Process Technology & Engineering unit globally.
Commenting on his new role, Dr. Klasen said, “I am excited to come back to China. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues and partners and continue the successful work of my predecessor Dr. Ritzert. ”
Company information
Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2013 more than 33,500 employees generated sales of around €12.7 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €2.0 billion.
Evonik Industries has been producing specialty chemical products in the Greater China region (Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) since the late 1970’s; with wide-ranging trading relations already in place prior to this in the region. Evonik regards Greater China as one of the driving forces of the global economy and we consequently endeavour to grow our business in the region. The company now has around 3,200 employees in the Greater China region, the regional sales reached over €1 billion in 2013.
Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.