Henkel Elects Hans Van Bylen CEO

Henkel announced that CEO Kasper Rorsted, who has decided not to renew his current contract beyond 2017, will leave the company at his own request as of April 30, 2016. He served on the Henkel Management Board for 11 years, and eight years as CEO.
 
Effective May 1, 2016, Hans Van Bylen has been appointed as his successor. His career at Henkel started in 1984, and he serves as member of the Management Board since 2005, responsible for the Beauty Care business.
 
“With the appointment of Hans Van Bylen as new CEO we have named a strong successor to the CEO position at an early time – as it is common practice at Henkel. Hans Van Bylen is an excellent choice as he has long-standing, international experience in managing brands and markets as well as a Management Board member at Henkel. On behalf of our governance committees and employees I wish Hans Van Bylen all the best and much success in his new role,” said Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah, chairwoman of the Supervisory Board and the Shareholders’ Committee.
 
The successor of Hans Van Bylen as Executive Vice President Beauty Care will be announced in due course.
 
“I am looking forward to shape the future of our company together with my colleagues at the Management Board and an excellent global team. We have strong brands and technologies, leading positions in many markets and categories around the world and a strong innovation power,” said Van Bylen.
 
“Kasper Rorsted has achieved a lot for Henkel. Under his leadership since 2008, the company has delivered a successful performance in a challenging market environment. Sales and profitability increased significantly and our top brands have been strengthened,” Dr. Bagel-Trah added.
 
Rorsted joined Henkel as member of the Management Board in 2005. He was appointed as deputy chairman of the Management Board in 2007 and CEO following the 2008 Annual General Meeting.
 
“I would like to thank all colleagues at Henkel for their commitment and dedication as well as the governance committees for their advice and support over the past years. Together, we have delivered an excellent performance for our company,” said Rorsted. “I am convinced that Henkel will continue to excel under the leadership of Hans Van Bylen as CEO.”