Van Baarle steps in as LANXESS Americas president and CEO

LANXESS Corporation is undergoing a leadership transition as Frederique van Baarle takes the reins as president and CEO for the Americas region, succeeding Antonis Papadourakis. Papadourakis, who led the company for more than eight years, retired on September 30, 2023.

Van Baarle, a member of the Board of Management and labor director of LANXESS AG, brings a wealth of experience and insight to her new role. With more than two decades in the global chemical industry, her expertise is anticipated to drive the company’s growth and innovation in the Americas.

Originally from the Netherlands, van Baarle relocated from LANXESS’s global headquarters in Cologne, Germany, marking a historic move as the first board member to be based outside Germany. Since joining LANXESS in 2011, she has held various leadership positions, including leading the High Performance Materials business unit before its spin-off in a joint venture in April 2023.

Papadourakis expressed gratitude for his time at LANXESS and confidence in van Baarle’s leadership. His retirement culminates a 35-year career in the chemical industry, marked by significant contributions to LANXESS’s growth and development.

Van Baarle’s appointment is seen as a strategic move for LANXESS, emphasising the increasing significance of the Americas region in the chemical industry. She is committed to building on the company’s established safety and sustainability programs and driving innovation and growth.