By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : December 04, 2025 2:54 pm
Most recently, he led the Coating Additives business line at the company’s headquarters in Essen, Germany
Evonik, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has appointed long-time executive Elias Lacerda as President of its Americas region, effective February 1, 2026. Lacerda will succeed Guido Skudlarek, who recently became global Head of Evonik’s US-based Health Care business line.
“The Americas region is crucial for Evonik’s success,” said Lauren Kjeldsen, Evonik’s Chief Operating Officer Custom Solutions and Management Board member responsible for the Americas. “I want to sincerely thank Guido for his successful work in growing the Americas business, and I look forward to Elias leading the next phase of our growth trajectory in North and South America. We see great potential there and have ambitious goals.”
A native Brazilian with degrees in chemical engineering and business administration (MBA), Lacerda brings nearly 30 years of experience with Evonik and its predecessors.
He has spent half his career in Central and South America, managing businesses in the coatings sector and holding global leadership roles in Evonik’s Silica and Animal Nutrition lines.
Most recently, he led the Coating Additives business line at the company’s headquarters in Essen, Germany. From 2018 to 2022, he served as president of the CSA region. The CSA and North America regions were recently merged.
“Elias is the perfect choice for the Americas region. Fluent in four languages and with an extensive global network, he combines scientific and business expertise in an ideal way,” Kjeldsen added.
Evonik generates 30% of its annual revenue in the Americas and operates more than 30 production sites across the region, along with distribution centers and commercial offices.