By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : March 04, 2026 1:53 pm
She is a seasoned global executive with more than three decades of experience in specialty chemicals, materials and energy
Syensqo announces the appointment of Heike van de Kerkhof as independent Chair of its Board of Directors (Board), effective March 3, 2026, marking a new step in the Group’s Governance journey. She will succeed Rosemary Thorne, who will step down as chair with immediate effect and from her position as independent director on March 31, 2026, to ensure a smooth hand-over process.
Heike van de Kerkhof has been an independent Director of Syensqo since December 2023 and currently chairs the Board’s Nomination Committee. She is a seasoned global executive with more than three decades of experience in specialty chemicals, materials and energy. As Chief Executive Officer of Archroma from 2020 to 2023, she led a global transformation focused on performance, portfolio optimization and sustainability.
Her earlier leadership roles at BP, Castrol, Chemours and DuPont provide deep operational and strategic insight across global industrial businesses. She also served on the boards of Neste, OCI N.V., and Goodpack. Her combination of CEO experience, governance expertise and strong industrial background positions her well to lead the Board in this next phase.