Dowlais Group Plc, the specialist engineering firm focused on the automotive sector, has appointed Jean-Marc Durbuis as the new Chief Executive Officer of GKN Powder Metallurgy.

Jean-Marc joins the company on 12 March. This appointment follows Diego Laurent’s departure from the business after 31 years of service at GKN.

Jean-Marc will bring extensive commercial, operational and leadership experience to GKN Powder Metallurgy as it positions itself for the transition to electric vehicles – a significant strategic opportunity for the business.

Over the last 20 years, Jean-Marc has held several senior executive positions in the chemical sector, leading global teams in complex and demanding businesses. He has a proven track record across all operational functions and has been a member of several executive committees and boards.

Jean-Marc joins GKN Powder Metallurgy from Allnex, the global leading supplier of resins and additives to the coating and inks industry. He was the Executive Vice President of one of Allnex’s global divisions with revenues of over €1 billion and was a member of the Allnex Executive Committee and Board of Directors. His achievements at Allnex include delivering significant improvements in his division’s financial and operational performance, and the delivery of significant M&A projects in different geographies.

Liam Butterworth, CEO of Dowlais Group Plc, said: ‘I want to thank Diego for his 31 years at GKN. He has achieved so much during this time at both GKN Powder Metallurgy and GKN Automotive. I am particularly grateful for all he has done to maintain GKN Powder Metallurgy’s position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of powder metal materials and sintered metal components.

‘Given the critical role GKN Powder Metallurgy plays in solving complex challenges in the automotive and industrial markets, and the very exciting opportunities ahead for the business, I am delighted that Jean-Marc will join us as the new CEO. He brings a wealth of experience that will enable the Powder Metallurgy team to capture the significant opportunities before it.’

Jean-Marc said: ‘I am delighted to be joining GKN Powder Metallurgy as its new CEO. It is a world class business and will play a vital role in introducing new products to market, as we navigate the transition to EVs. I look forward to working with the team and meeting my new colleagues across the globe.’

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