ARLANXEO CEO Chen to retire, van Santbrink to succeed

ARLANXEO, one of the world’s largest synthetic rubber producers and a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, a leading energy and chemicals producer, announced that Dr. Ir. Donald D. Chen will retire from his role as chief executive officer (CEO) of ARLANXEO effective October 1, 2023. Succeeding Chen is Stephan van Santbrink, who will take over as the new CEO effective October 1, 2023.

Chen will remain involved in a senior advisory capacity until February 1, 2024 to ensure a smooth transition of leadership and the continuation of important strategic projects. 

“On behalf of the entire Shareholders’ Committee, I would like to thank Donald for his leadership and dedication. As an experienced industry leader, he has led our global group since 2019 with determination and professionalism, fostering a stronger safety culture. Having successfully steered the business through significant market challenges and the Covid crisis, he laid the foundation for the long-term success of our business. We wish the very best to him and his family for the future,” said Olivier Thorel, chairman of the ARLANXEO Shareholders’ Committee and senior vice president of Chemicals, Saudi Aramco Oil Company.

Van Santbrink has been one of ARLANXEO’s Non-Executive Board members since March 2023. He will be based in The Hague, The Netherlands. He brings some 25 years of oil & gas experience from both Aramco and Shell. Currently, he is with Aramco where he is the Downstream CFO and head of Strategy & Business Support. Next to looking after the overall financial performance of Aramco’s Downstream business, he is an active Board/committee member of SABIC, Motiva Enterprises, SATORP and Aramco Trading.

He holds degrees in Law and Economics from the University of Amsterdam and obtained his MBA from the Rotterdam School of Management.