By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : September 20, 2025 11:51 am
Until a successor is appointed, Chief Executive Officer Christian Kullmann will assume responsibility for the finance department
Evonik announced important changes to its Executive Board. After ten years with the company, Chief Financial Officer Maike Schuh will depart at her own request. A trained lawyer, Schuh joined the Executive Board in April 2023 and was responsible for the finance department. She previously led the accounting unit, helped establish the Performance Materials division in 2020, and became its Managing Director in 2022.
Until a successor is appointed, Chief Executive Officer Christian Kullmann will assume responsibility for the finance department at the Executive Board level. Operational duties previously overseen by Schuh will be taken over by Dr. Claus Rettig, effective immediately. Rettig, currently an Associated Member of the Executive Board and responsible for the Asia-Pacific region, will take on these additional responsibilities and report directly to Kullmann.
“Maike Schuh has worked very successfully for the company in a variety of functions and has achieved a great deal,” said Bernd Tönjes, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. “I regret her departure and thank her, on behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, for her outstanding work.”
Kullmann added: “We respect Maike’s decision. I have known and valued her for ten years. With her expertise and operational experience, she has made valuable contributions to Evonik. I wish her all the best for the next chapter of her life.”
Reflecting on her time at the company, Schuh said: “I had ten good and exciting years at Evonik and I am happy and grateful for this time. The past few years have been particularly challenging, as we had to prove ourselves in an increasingly difficult environment—and we succeeded. I wish Evonik and all our employees every success for the future.”
The Supervisory Board also extended the contract of Chief Human Resources Officer and Labor Director Thomas Wessel until August 31, 2028. Wessel, who has been a member of the Executive Board since 2011, is also responsible for infrastructure and sustainability.
“With his wealth of experience, Thomas Wessel will ensure that the largest transformation in Evonik’s history is implemented consistently, while always maintaining social responsibility and integrity,” said Kullmann.