As the next step on its growth journey, coating solutions provider Hempel (Lyngby, Denmark) recently welcomed Emilie Barriau as its chief technology officer. The role is a new position in the company’s executive group management.
According to Hempel, innovation is a critical enabler of its Double Impact strategy, and this new appointment is designed to ensure that innovation is more prominently featured at the highest level of the organization. The new technology executive vice president area comprises research and development (R&D), procurement, and sustainability.
“This shift reflects our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and delivering unparalleled value to our customers,” says Michael Hansen, group president and CEO. “By elevating the role of innovation in our executive leadership, we aim to foster a culture where creative thinking and groundbreaking ideas thrive, ultimately propelling us towards delivering on our strategy—particularly within technology and sustainability leadership.”
“I am very excited to welcome Emilie to Hempel,” Hansen adds. “With her ability to connect with others, as well as her strong business acumen and unwavering customer focus, I believe she is a great fit.”
A native of France, Barriau is described as an internationally experienced senior innovation executive who spent 15 years with Henkel Adhesives Technologies. In that capacity, she served the transport, metals, and electronics industries in various global roles.
In 2021, Emilie joined Ecolab, where she is leading the research, development, and engineering organization across different businesses in Europe and India, the Middle East, and Africa (IMEA).
During her studies and career, she has lived in France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany, where she is currently based. She holds a Ph.D. in polymer chemistry from University of Mainz, Germany.
As part of her tenure with Henkel, she was expatriated to the United States for a three-year period. Over the coming months, she will relocate to Denmark.
“I am excited to join Hempel as chief technology officer to elevate the mission of innovation in the organization, uniting R&D, sustainability, and procurement,” Barriau says. “This will accelerate our path to impactful sustainable solutions, together with our customers, suppliers, and partners,”
“Unleashing this potential, I see great opportunities for Hempel’s innovation to create greater value and lead with differentiated technologies—not only for our customers, but also for the coatings industry as a whole. Ultimately, our investment in this area will make for a more sustainable world.”
Source: Hempel, www.hempel.com.