Claus Rettig, currently Head of the Smart Materials division, will lead the entire Asian business as regional president with general power of attorney.

Evonik is strengthening its presence in Asia to reflect the growing importance of the region. For the first time, a member of the extended executive board of Evonik Industries AG is relocating from Germany to Asia.

In his new position, Rettig is responsible for driving the company’s growth plan in Asia and making sure that Evonik is present on the ground with modern production and a strong research and development footprint.

Rettig, who holds a doctorate in chemistry, began his career in Hüls AG in 1987. He worked in South Africa and Japan respectively to oversee business strategies and operations for the company. In 2003, he returned to Germany as the President of the Degussa Care Specialties Business Unit and continued with various executive roles.

In 2015, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Management Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH, before moving to his role in 2020 as the President of Smart Materials division.

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals and generated sales of €15 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.38 billion in 2021. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable and sustainable solutions for customers.