Elementis plc appoints Luc van Ravenstein as Chief Executive Officer

LONDON: Elementis plc, a global specialty chemicals company, announced that Luc van Ravenstein will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and join the Board of the Company on 29 April 2025, succeeding Paul Waterman.

Luc is a highly respected leader with a strong track record of delivering innovation, growth and efficiency during his 13 years at Elementis. He has led the Company’s largest business segment, Performance Specialties (previously Coatings), for seven years.

During this period, Luc oversaw the transformation of Coatings into a leading speciality additives business with a higher quality product portfolio and significantly higher margins. Before that, Luc led the Personal Care segment for six years during a period of significant growth. Prior to joining the Company, Luc held various leadership positions at Croda International plc.

The appointment follows a thorough search process led by the Nomination Committee, supported by an independent executive search firm, which included consideration of a range of candidates, including external to the Company. 

Further to the Company’s announcement on 18 November 2024, Paul Waterman will step down as CEO and retire from the Board on 29 April 2025. Paul will continue to be employed by the Company and will be available as required for any transition support until the end of July 2025 to ensure a smooth transition with Luc.

John O’Higgins, Chair, said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Paul for his leadership, and to wish Luc success in his new role. Luc is ideally positioned to continue to deliver the progress made so far on the Company’s strategy and the achievement of our financial targets.”

Luc van Ravenstein, incoming CEO, said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed to lead this great company that has been my home for the last 13 years. We will be building on the momentum of the past few years to deliver our financial commitments. With fantastic people, innovative products and deep customer relationships, I look forward to working with everyone to take Elementis to the next level of success.”