Solvay is reshuffling leadership across three key specialty chemicals businesses, appointing new heads for Silica, Rare Earth and Fluorine effective October 1, 2026.

 

The company announced that Adam Days will take over as GBU President, Silica; Stéphane Diaz will become General Manager, Rare Earth; and Ziad Haddad will serve as General Manager, Fluorine.

 

The appointments follow the decision of An Nuyttens, GBU President Silica & Special Chem, to pursue a new opportunity outside Solvay.

 

Days brings more than three decades of experience in the chemical industry to the Silica business. He joined Rhodia in 1994, prior to its acquisition by Solvay, and has held roles spanning manufacturing, HSE, commercial leadership, R&I and sustainability.

 

His career includes senior assignments in the U.S. and Germany, as well as global and regional responsibilities across EMEA, North America and major international customers. Most recently, he served as Business Director for Silica, overseeing commercial, R&I and sustainability activities.

 

Diaz, currently Global Business Director for Rare Earth, brings extensive experience in specialty chemicals, strategic marketing, new business development and innovation. His career has included leadership roles across Solvay, Rhodia and BASF, combining commercial, strategic and R&I expertise.

 

Haddad, currently Global Business Director for Fluorine at Solvay, has held senior positions across fluorine, electronic chemicals, soda ash and derivatives, sales and marketing, account management and technical service. He brings international experience across North America and Asia, along with expertise in business development, product management, market strategy and commercial leadership.

 

The new leadership structure will take effect as Solvay continues to focus on strengthening its specialty chemicals businesses and advancing growth opportunities across its global markets.