Synthomer appoints former Clariant exec as CEO

London – Synthomer plc has appointed former Clariant AG executive Michael Willome as group chief executive officer, effective 1 Nov. 

He will succeed Calum MacLean, who announced in January 2021 that he was stepping down from the position once a suitable successor was identified, Synthomer announced 23 June. 

According to Synthomer, Willome is “an established public market CEO with a track record of driving performance through both strong operational management and strategic actions, including M&A.” 

Furthermore, the statement said, Willome has a “deep understanding” of the end markets in which Synthomer operates, with speciality chemicals and broad geographic experience.

Willome served as the CEO of Conzzeta AG (renamed Bystronic AG in May 2021) between January 2016 and April 2021.

Through organic growth and acquisitions, Willome helped double the Swiss conglomerate's EBIT in four years. In 2020, he implemented a fundamental transformation of the company which included focusing on Bystronic and the divestment of four other businesses.

Previously, he spent 18 years with Clariant AG, leading its global industrial & consumer specialities division from 2010 to 2015. Prior to that, he held leadership roles in Asia Pacific, Canada and Turkey.

"He [Willome] is a high calibre, proven business leader with considerable experience in the global speciality chemicals industry,” said Caroline Johnstone, chair of Synthomer.

Willome, she said, will bring with him “the right capabilities to help lead Synthomer through the next phase of its development.”