Azelis Group NV (Berchem, Belgium), a leading global innovation service provider in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry, announced that Todd Cottrell will assume the role of CEO of Azelis Americas (Westport, Connecticut, USA) when Frank Bergonzi retires on September 30, 2023. To ensure a seamless transition, Bergonzi will support Cottrell with onboarding into his new role, and subsequently will remain available as a consultant to contribute to Azelis’ growth strategy in the Americas through the end of 2025.
Cottrell brings more than 30 years of expertise and industry knowledge that spans both technical and executive roles. He has worked for some of the global leaders in the coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers (CASE) industry, his last position having been managing director Americas for a large European manufacturer. Over his extensive career, Cottrell also served in regional director and regional president roles in France and China, as well as multiple industry board positions. Cottrell holds BSc in chemical engineering from Michigan Technological University and an MBA from Duke University.
As CEO of Azelis Americas, Cottrell will be responsible for driving growth through the development on principal partnerships; market expansion both organic and inorganic; operational excellence within all market segments; and digital, innovation, and sustainability strategies that drive value for principals and customers.
Bergonzi led Azelis Americas for more than seven years, first as CEO and president of KODA Distribution and later as CEO of Azelis Americas following its acquisition of KODA in 2015. During his tenure at Azelis, Bergonzi has led the Americas region to record growth, both organically and through mergers and acquisitions.
“Under Frank’s leadership, we have more than doubled our revenue in the Americas and established a presence in five new countries spanning North and South America,” says Dr. Hans Joachim Müller, Azelis Group CEO. “I’d like to thank Frank for his tireless dedication and passionate leadership and wish him all the best in his retirement. Frank’s expertise will continue to remain highly valuable, as he continues to support the broader operations through the end of 2025.”
“At the same time, we welcome Todd, who brings a wealth of experience in specialty chemicals and in the CASE market in particular, which is our largest segment in the Americas,” continues Müller. “He has substantial specialty supplier experience and a good perspective on the role of the distribution channel. I am excited that he is taking the reins from Frank to lead our operations in the Americas.”
“Todd brings strong business acumen and CASE industry experience as well as passion, enthusiasm, and an entrepreneurial spirit that will continue to drive value for our principals and customers,” says Bergonzi. “With his experience as an Azelis principal and customer at different points in his career. Todd clearly understands the needs of all of our stakeholders and will bring that invaluable insight to Azelis. I look forward to supporting Todd throughout the transition and have every confidence in his ability to lead our talented team to further success.”
“I am honored to lead the next chapter of the Azelis growth journey in the Americas,” says Cottrell. “I have firs-hand experience with the commercial professionalism, formulation value, and market insights that the Azelis team brings to enable the success of its stakeholders. I’d like to sincerely thank Frank for building this foundation upon which we will continue to grow Azelis’ market presence and value creation throughout the Americas.”
Source: Azelis, www.azelis.com.