Caldic appoints Steven Terwindt as new CEO

Caldic, a global leader in specialty chemicals and ingredients distribution, has announced the appointment of Steven Terwindt as its new chief executive officer, effective September 15, 2024. Terwindt will succeed Alexander Wessels, who is retiring after a successful career spanning more than 35 years in the life sciences and chemicals industries.

Terwindt brings more than 25 years of experience in the global chemicals distribution sector, having held senior leadership roles at Brenntag Group. His expertise in driving growth and his deep understanding of customer needs make him well-suited to lead Caldic into its next phase of expansion.

Between 2020 and 2023, Terwindt served on the management board of the Brenntag Group, and prior to that held the role of president and CEO of Brenntag North and Latin America. In previous years, Terwindt held various operational leadership roles, including COO Brenntag North America, president, Brenntag Canada, and president, Brenntag Mexico & Central America. 

Ron Ayles, managing partner at Advent International, which owns a majority stake in Caldic, stated, “On behalf of Advent and Wilbur-Ellis, we are very pleased to welcome Steven to Caldic. Steven is a highly experienced leader in the specialty chemicals distribution segment with significant experience in driving growth across all of Caldic’s regions. We are convinced that Steven will build on the foundation laid over the past years and further drive growth through an excellent and differentiated product and service offering to principals and customers, as well as continued investments into Caldic’s footprint.” 

Advent International, a global private equity firm, acquired Caldic in partnership with Wilbur-Ellis, another major player in the agricultural and chemical distribution sectors. This acquisition and subsequent merger with Wilbur-Ellis’ Connell division created a global leader in life sciences and specialty chemicals distribution.

Under the leadership of Wessels, Caldic transformed from a regional player to a global powerhouse, tripling its size and expanding its presence in Latin America and Asia-Pacific. The company looks forward to continuing this trajectory under Terwindt’s leadership.