Our organisation
- Board of directors
- Supply Chain Program Committee
- Talents of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow
- CEO & EPCA staff
Executive committee
President
Michels Hartwig
President Petrochemicals
BASF SE
Short CV
Hartwig Michels joined BASF in 1992 where he started his career in the Finance department. Having held senior managing positions in Controlling and Global Marketing in Germany and Singapore, he headed different global and regional business units. In 2008, he became President of BASF’s Procurement.
Hartwig Michels was appointed President Region Europe & MEA in 2013 and assumed his current position as President Petrochemicals Division in 2017.
He has a background in banking and studied Business Administration at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Vice-Presidents
Roudeix Richard
Senior Vice-President, Olefins & Polyolefins Europe, Asia and International
LYONDELLBASELL
Short CV
Richard Roudeix is currently responsible for LyondellBasell’s Olefins business for the Europe region and the president of LyondellBasell companies in France. He has held roles in France, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands and the USA, with business experience in Europe, North America and Asia with LyondellBasell and predecessor companies Basell, Elenac, Montell and Shell. A significant proportion of his career has been in the polymers business. Richard is a graduate of the Ecole des Mines engineering school and of a post-graduate program from French Petroleum Institute.Since 2012, Richard has been appointed Chairman of the Association of Petrochemicals Producers in Europe (now renamed Petrochemicals Europe)
Williams Mark
Vice-President Europe
SABIC
Short CV
Mark L Williams is the Vice President of SABIC in Europe
Mark Graduated in Chemical Engineering from the University of Sheffield in 1989 and has a career spanning 26 years in the Petrochemicals and Polymers industry working across Europe, USA and the Middle East.
The focus of his current role is creating a sustainable and competitive environment for the European Petrochemicals Industry and the development of talent to achieve this.
Mark has extensive manufacturing experience and has previously been responsible for SABIC’s Manufacturing and Strategic planning in Europe focused on transforming the competitive performance in safety, reliability, productivity and cost to achieve best quartile performance.
Mark has been responsible for the leadership of Petrochemical and Cracker complexes across Europe and in Texas.
His achievements have included the safe and successful start-up of the World’s largest Low Density Polyethylene plant, Prestigious CIA (UK) Company of the year award for excellence in manufacturing and innovative low emission Cracker shut down and start-up techniques.
Mark serves on the boards of the CIA, CEFIC and Plastics Europe and is a graduate of the London Business School General Management Development Program. He was previously on the board of the UK National Skills Academy for the Process Industry (NSAPI). He is married to Maureen and they have 2 teenage boys.
Treasurer
Hoekstra Eelco
Chairman of the Executive Board & CEO
ROYAL VOPAK
Short CV
Eelco Hoekstra joined the Executive Board of Royal Vopak in Rotterdam in 2010. He was appointed Chairman of the Executive Board & CEO as per the 1st of January 2011. He has almost twenty years of experience in the international tank storage industry.
After joining Vopak in 2003, Mr Hoekstra took up the position of Managing Director of Vopak Horizon Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. In 2005, he relocated to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he assumed the position of President of Vopak Latin America. In 2008, he was appointed Division President of Vopak Asia in Singapore.
Mr Hoekstra holds a Master’s in Economics from the Erasmus University in Rotterdam. He is a member of the International Business Leaders’ Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai (IBLAC); a member of the Advisory Boards of the Rotterdam School of Management; a member of the Board of the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA); and a Member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).
In Attendance
Ciuciu Caroline
CEO
EPCA
Board Members
Bingham Sonia
Global Basic Chemicals Product Executive
EXXONMOBIL PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL
Short CV
Sonia Bingham is the Global Basic Chemicals Product Executive for ExxonMobil Chemical Company.
Sonia joined ExxonMobil in 1998 after completing her Masters of Engineering in Chemical Engineering at the University of Sheffield. From 1998 to 2016, Sonia held a variety of manufacturing, sales, marketing, and financial planning roles with ExxonMobil Chemical based in UK, Belgium and USA.
Sonia returned to UK in 2016 as the Plant Manager for ExxonMobil Chemical at Fife Ethylene Plant. She was named to her current position in December 2018.
Sonia currently lives in Brussels, Belgium with her husband, Charles, and their two daughters.
Chiappani Marco
VP Intermediates Business Unit
VERSALIS
Short CV
Over his 30 year long career in the Eni petrochemical business, Mr. Chiappani has held positions entailing growing responsibilities within industrial operations , sales, marketing, business service, technical assistance
Valued for his solid expertise in industrial operations management , mainly in Styrenics and Intermediates in Mantua site , from 2010 to 2012 Mr. Chiappani moved up to serve as site Director in Ferrara , which enabled him to enhance his experience across-the-board, by building competence in handling the polyethylene and elastomers businesses.
In 2012, Mr. Chiappani became an integral part of the Versalis Executive Team successfully by taking up the position of Executive Vice President of the Styrenics Business Unit , reporting directly to Versalis’ CEO and holds stewardship of both the unit commercial functions - sales, marketing, business service, technical assistance - and industrial operations ,he has been instrumental in exceeding all performance targets until 2014, when he took on the new challenge of spearheading the Elastomers Business Unit. As Head of elastomers business was also in charge of the JV (with Lotte Chemical ) in Korea ( Lotte Versalis Elastomers ) and Director of the Board of Chinese subsidiary Versalis Pacific Trading, with offices in Shanghai and Singapore and Director of the Board of Versalis Americas Inc., with head offices in Houston, Texas.
From July 2019 Head of the Intermediates Business Unit.
Marco Chiappani holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Bologna.
Dahm Joachim
Chairman of the Board of Management
EVONIK PERFORMANCE MATERIALS
Devos Johan
Chief Sales Officer (CSO)
BERTSCHI
Short CV
Johan Devos started his career as sales representative with Huktra NV at Zeebrugge, Belgium. He joined Bertschi AG in 1993 as sales representative for Northern Europe and the UK/Ireland. Currently Johan holds the position of Chief Sales Officer (CSO) for the Bertschi Group. He is also a member of the Bertschi Management Steering team.
Johan holds a Bachelor degree as a translator German-English-Dutch as well as a Business Management Degree. He also attended the Sales Management Programme at the Vlerick Business School (B-Louvain)
Johnson Kate
General Manager Intermediates EUAF
SHELL CHEMICALS EUROPE
Short CV
Kate Johnson was appointed General Manager Intermediates EUAF with effect from January 1st. 2017. Based in the Netherlands, she is accountable for the commercial delivery, and P&L, for a range of Chemical products in EUAF (Solvents, propylene oxide-related products, Ethylene Oxide, Styrene Monomer and Higher Olefins and Derivatives) with a team of about 100 people in a variety of commercial roles. The challenge in the role comes from the variety of markets as well as leading the community.
Kate joined Shell in the UK in 1986 after completing a chemistry degree. Her career in Shell has been largely in Chemicals - in commercial roles in different product lines, as well as in projects. Outside of Shell Chemicals, but within Shell, Kate has enjoyed stints in crude oil trading, Group Finance, procurement and the Shell bitumen and sulphur businesses.
She is recognized for driving performance and growth with an energizing and collaborative style with ability to quickly adapt to new situations and lead teams to respond. She is a challenging but caring leader who builds environment of trust.
She also has a passion for diversity – representing the Downstream Businesses in the Shell Netherlands executive committee for the Shell women’s network as well as having been on the steering committee for D&I for the European Petrochemicals Association.
Mascolo Leonardo
BU Director, Base Petrochemicals
REPSOL
Short CV
Leonardo Mascolo born in Foggia (Italy), is married and has an eight year old daughter.
He holds a degree in Electronic Engineering from Bologna University with a specialization in TLCs and Microelectronics and a post-grade Master in Telecommunications (1994, I.S.S.T., Rome) and one in Business Management (2001, LUISS Business School, Rome).
He joined Repsol Group in 1999 as Production Assistant at Repsol’s PMMA plant in Rome, Italy.
In early 2000, he took on the position of Production, Logistic & TI.
In June 2002 he was named General Manager of Repsol Polivar S.p.A., position that he maintained until 2008 when the PMMA business was sold to Arkema by Repsol.
In mid-2008 Mr. Mascolo moved to Repsol’s Headquarters (Madrid, Spain) as Product Manager for Olefins & Aromatics until the end of 2010.
Since January 2011 he is Repsol’s Base Petrochemicals Director.
McNally John
CEO
INEOS OLEFINS & POLYMERS NORTH
Short CV
John McNally was born in the UK but was raised and educated in the USA. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology in 1982 and a PhD in Chemistry from Harvard University in 1987.
He has worked in the petrochemical industry for 27 years, first for BP and then INEOS, in a variety of Technical, Operational and Commercial Management roles in 5 countries.
His most recent previous role was as Chief Operating Officer for INEOS Bio based in Florida, USA. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer for INEOS Olefins and Polymers, UK in August 2014. In the past four years, he has overseen over £500m of investment in the Grangemouth petrochemicals complex.
John is married and has two sons in university. He currently resides with his wife in London near the INEOS UK Headquarters, but splits his time between the London and Grangemouth offices.
Renglet Jean-François
Vice-President Marketing Base Chemicals
TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS & REFINING
Schuller Marc
COO
ARKEMA
Short CV
Marc Schuller was born in 1960, and is a graduate from ESSEC - École supérieure des sciences économiques et commerciales, in Paris.
He joined Orkem in 1985 as Acrylics Product Manager. In 1990, he joined the Strategy division of Total, and in 1992, he became Vice-President of the Structural Resins department at Cray Valley.
In 1995, he was appointed Commercial Director Petrochemicals/Special Fluids at Total, and later Vice-President, Base Petrochemicals at TotalFina.
In 2000, he was appointed Vice-President of Atofina’s Butadiene/Aromatics business unit, and Special Project Manager for the President.
In 2003, he became Vice-President of the Thiochemicals and Fine Chemicals business unit.
Marc Schuller is currently Executive Vice-President, in charge of coating solutions and industrial specialties business segments as well as raw materials/energy purchasing at Arkema.
Szostek Paweł
Executive Director of Petrochemical Sales
PKN ORLEN
Short CV
Mr. Paweł Szostek is a graduate of University of Gdansk.
He has completed postgraduate studies of European Law and Integration at the Technical University of Gdansk and he has also gained a title of ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).
Since 2005 he holds various positions at PKN ORLEN S.A. with last three positions of Director of Sales Controlling Department at PKN ORLEN S.A., CFO of ORLEN OIL and Director of Key Account Wholesale Services at PKN ORLEN S.A.
Since 1st of June 2018 he holds the position of Executive Director of Petrochemical Sales. He also serves as Member of the Board of ORLEN KolTrans (Poland), Paramo (Czech Republic) and Ventus Nafta (Lithuania).
Viering Axel
Member of the Executive Board
HELM
Short CV
1986 German High School Degree Abitur
1988 Start career in HELM AG
1988 – 1990 Apprenticeship
1990 – 1991 Product Manager Polymers
1992 – 1998 Head of Department Polymers
1998 – 2006 Managing Director HELM Great Britain Ltd., London
2006 – 2009 Executive Manager Division Olefins & Glycols
2009 – 2019 Executive Director Business Unit Derivatives
2020 onwards Member of the Executive Board Business Line Chemicals
Wodjereck Katja
Commercial Director EMEAI
DOW
Short CV
Katja Wodjereck serves as Commercial Director for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India for Dow Industrial Solutions. She is accountable for the long-term strategy and the regional P&L of a $ 1,2 billion industry-leading portfolio that offers a wide range of products and services that enables more sustainable manufacturing, consumer and energy solutions. She was appointed into her current role in August 2018.
Wodjereck joined Dow at the end of 2001. During her 19-year career with Dow, she has held several leadership positions in commercial, asset management and marketing across various businesses and market segments including Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Energy and Microbial, Oil, Gas & Mining and lately Industrial Solutions, besides international assignments in Latin America and corporate leadership positions as director of Dow Antwerp, Belgium.
Wodjereck graduated in International Business Management from the University of Applied Sciences Trier, Germany and Universidad Viña del Mar, Chile and holds an MBA from the Dow Northwood Executive MBA program.
Ex-Officio
Díaz Manuel
Executive Director
APLA
Short CV
Mensink Marco
Director General
CEFIC
Short CV
Marco Mensink is Director General of Cefic since May 2016. With a team of 160 and members adding over 550 billion Euro to the EU economy annually, Cefic is the largest industry sector representation of its kind in Brussels.
Cefic unites 22 national federations, 8 associate federations and 650 members and affiliates from all over Europe. It hosts over 70 different sector groups. Virtually all large global and local chemical companies with production facilities in Europe are Cefic members.
Marco Mensink has chaired and is a member of ICCA, the global Chemical Industry Council, which covers over 90% of the global industry.
Key focus in his role is to be the interface between the industry and policy makers, NGO’s, the innovation networks and scientific community and media. Marco Mensink has an extensive network of contacts within the three key European institutions and has served on several European Commission High Level Groups.
Marco Mensink is representing industry on the Management Board of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in Helsinki and has chaired and is member of the Alliance of Competitive European Industries.
A Dutch national born in 1968, with a Dutch wife and three kids, he is a seasoned public affairs professional. He has worked in Brussels since early 2006. Before Cefic, he was Director General of the Confederation of European Paper Industries in Brussels. In this role he developed a strong network in the global forest products and paper industry and the European paper recycling and waste sectors. Starting in Ernst&Young and the NL Paper and Board sector, he still has an extensive network in the Netherlands, in industry and at political level.
Thompson Chet
President & CEO
AFPM
Short CV
Chet M. Thompson
President, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
Chet Thompson began his role as president of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers AFPM) in May 2015. Thompson leads a staff that advocates for petroleum refiners and petrochemical manufacturers before Congress and the Executive Branch on a broad range of public policy issues. AFPM, under his leadership, works to emphasize the importance of petroleum refiners and petrochemical manufacturers and their positive impact on U.S. manufacturing, jobs growth, energy independence and national security.
Prior to joining AFPM, Thompson was a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Crowell and Moring LLP, where he was chairman of the Environment & Natural Resources Group, one of the country’s premier environmental practices. His practice included counseling, litigation, and regulatory and legislative representation for a wide array of clients under major environmental statutes, including the Clean Air Act; the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, the Resource Conservation Act; and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, Liability and Recovery Act. While at Crowell Morning he represented AFPM as external counsel for nine years.
Thompson previously served as deputy general counsel at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) where he provided legal advice to the Agency’s administrator, general counsel and program offices. Before joining EPA in 2004, he spent 10 years at Collier Shannon Scott PLLC, where his work focused on the Clean Air Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
Thompson has been recognized as one of the leading lawyers in the U.S. by Chambers & Partners, and was awarded a Certificate of Accommodation by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2006. Thompson holds a B.A. in Political Science from Boston College and a J.D. from the Catholic University Columbus School of Law. He and his family reside in Potomac, Maryland.
Chairperson
Verstraeten Dirk
Director Global Logistics Procurement
COVESTRO DEUTSCHLAND
Short CV
- 2015 – today – Covestro Deutschland AG Leverkusen, Procurement Global Logistics.
- 2010 – 2015 – Bayer AG Leverkusen, Procurement, Global storage, bulk shipping and plant logistics.
- 2006 – 2010 – Bayer AG Leverkusen, Procurement Global Plant Logistics.
- 1989 – 2006 – Bayer Antwerp NV – different operational & site logistics management functions.
- 1988 – 1989 – Steinweg NV Antwerp – shipping clerc.
- 1985 – 1986 – Lloyd insurance NV – insurance clerc.
Members
Alonso Samuel
International Sales Director
LKW WALTER
Ambrosecchia Gerardo
Project Manager
EPCA
Arnet Jan
Group CEO
BERTSCHI
Short CV
- Swiss, married, two children
- Master degree in Corporate Finance
- 15 years with Bertschi, several positions as e.g. Head Merger & Acquisitions, MD of Nordic Bulkers (100% subsidiary of Bertschi), Group CFO, Head market entry MiddleEast and Plastics Hub Strategy Europe
- Most recent 5 years Managing Director of Business Unit Liquids Europe
Since August 1st , 2018 Group CEO of Bertschi
Bauer Steffen
COO - Business Unit Shipping
IMPERIAL SHIPPING HOLDING
Short CV
Steffen Bauer, 38 years old, graduated in Economics and Business Management at the University for Economics and Management – University of Applied Sciences, Duisburg.
From 2004 until 2012 he held several positions at Lehnkering GmbH at least as Divisional Head of Contract Logistics Region West. After the acquisition of Lehnkering GmbH by Imperial Logistics International B.V. & Co. KG in 2012 Steffen Bauer was appointed as Director Business Unit Road at Imperial Chemical Transport GmbH and in 2016 as Chief Strategy Officer for the Division Transport Solution of Imperial International Group.
Since February 2017 he is Managing Director of Imperial Shipping Holding GmbH and Chief Operating Officer of Imperial Shipping Group with overall operational and commercial responsibility for all subsidiaries and participations within the Group.
Bessant Guy Alexander
President
STOLTHAVEN TERMINALS
Short CV
Guy Bessant was appointed President, Stolthaven Terminals, a division of Stolt-Nielsen Limited, in March 2015. Prior to relocating to the Netherlands, he had more than fifteen years of experience in the chemical and transportation industries within the Asia Pacific and Middle East region having held senior management positions in Sasol, Covestro and Stolt-Nielsen.
He holds a BA in Modern Chinese Studies with Management from the University of Leeds (U.K.), a postgraduate diploma in International Commercial Law from Northumbria University (U.K.), and an MBA from the University of Strathclyde (U.K.).
Ciuciu Caroline
CEO
EPCA
Short CV
Caroline Ciuciu took up her role as EPCA Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2017.
Under her leadership, in close cooperation with the Board and advisory bodies, EPCA embarked on a transformation journey into the leading European ideas marketplace for the global petrochemical community.
Building upon the unparalleled reputation of the EPCA Annual Meetings, Caroline actively developed the second, programmatic pillar of the organisation. She launched a program portfolio connecting thought leadership and corporate sharpness to generate fresh ideas for a smarter and inclusive development of the sector.
This includes the Digitisation in the Petrochemical Supply Chain, a series of research studies and events, in partnership with Vlerick Business School, and a multidimensional exploration of the Talent Management and Leadership, with the support of Accenture, EY and the Antwerp Management School.
Caroline’s organizational overhaul includes rejuvenating the EPCA team, revisiting EPCA governance and redesigning its digital communications strategy.
Prior to her current role, Caroline Ciuciu held several positions in government relations and regulatory affairs in France and Belgium. Her industry career started in 1998 with COGEMA/AREVA in France, followed by three years in FORATOM in Belgium. She then moved from the nuclear energy sector to metals and mining, joining ERAMET in Paris in 2007. In 2012 she became EU Public Affairs Director of Albemarle Europe and moved back to Belgium.
Caroline graduated in International Private Law and Business Law at the University of Paris l Pantheon-Sorbonne.
De Vries Frank
Senior Manager Supply Chain Solids Europe
SABIC
Short CV
Mr. de Vries holds a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Twente University and an INSEAD Certificate in “Finance for Executives”. He joined SABIC in 2003, achieving a wealthy experience both in Supply Chain, Logistics as well as Business Management in the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. As Director Global Foam & Lightweight he drove the implementation of innovative foam and lightweight solutions into the market, leading a global and multidisciplinary team (Marketing, Technology and Sales) towards unmet needs in the Packaging, Automotive, Consumer Goods and the Construction markets. Prior to SABIC, Mr. de Vries worked as Site Logistics Manager and Production Office Manager at DSM in Geleen (the Netherlands). I am sending you enclosed a more detailed bio for your information.
Dries Michael
Vice-President Global Logistics Procurement
BASF
Short CV
Michael Dries’ career with BASF started in 1990, when he joined BASF AG’s Logistics Procurement Department. In 1996 he became Head of Logistics at Shanghai BASF Colorants and Auxiliaries, Shanghai, P.R. China, followed by an assignment as Head of Logistics and Technical Procurement at BASF Company Ltd., Seoul, Rep. of Korea. After one year at BASF AG, Ludwigshafen he was in 2002 appointed Director, Logistics, BASF YPC Company Ltd., Nanjing, P.R. China. He was subsequently appointed in 2006 Vice President, General Services at BASF SE, Ludwigshafen and led as of 2010 the senior project Opal 21 / Logistics. Mr. Dries assumes his current position as Vice President, Global Logistics Procurement since 2015.
Michael Dries was born in Eltville, Germany, in 1961. He studied economics and business administration at the Universities of Mainz and Cologne.
Mahmud Ismail
Global Chemicals Director
ROYAL VOPAK
Short CV
Ismail Mahmud
Global Chemicals Director, Royal Vopak of the Netherlands
Ismail has been with Vopak for 17 years and is currently Global Director for Vopak’s chemicals business with offices in HQ located in Rotterdam. Prior to this role (since the last 4 years), Ismail was located in Singapore for 10 years where he held the positions of Commercial Director Asia and Managing Director Singapore. Prior to Vopak, Ismail worked for Engro Chemical (previously an ExxonMobil Affiliate) for a period of 8 years.
Currently, Ismail is responsible for sales, marketing and commercial activities in Vopak for all chemical related storage activities. Currently about 50 of the 76 terminals owned and operated by Vopak worldwide are for chemical businesses. His experience in logistics and tank storage services spans over multiple regions with specific focus on Industrial Terminaling, where he leads one of Vopak’s core strategies in this service market segment.
He is a Mechanical Engineer from Lehigh University, USA and an MBA in Finance from St. Joseph’s University, USA.
Marston Mark
Supply Chain Director Europe & AFMEI
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES
Short CV
With over 30 years’ experience in the international world of Intermediate Chemicals, Mark has had leadership roles of increasing commercial responsibility from directing Businesses to most recently Sales responsibility for Europe, MEAF and Asia.
With the move in July 2020 to Supply Chain Director Europe and AFMEI, Mark has responsibility for delivering supply chain excellence across all divisions in Lyondellbasell.
Mark graduated with an MBA from Villanova University, Pennsylvania and holds a BA Hons in Business Studies from Kingston Business School, London.
Mark is married with two children and currently lives in the Hague, NL.
Perra Marcello
Supply Chain Director
VERSALIS
Short CV
Mr. Perra graduated as Mechanical Engineer with a specialization in Maintenance Engineering at the University of Cagliari (Italy). He started his career as Site Manager Deputy and Responsible for Industrial Services Department at Polimeri Europe and since 2009 held several positions at Eni-Versalis, including those of Site Manager of the Ferrara (2012-2016) and Brindisi (2016-2019) sites.
Preston Liz
CEO
AGILITY
Short CV
Liz holds an HND Business Studies from Crewe & Alsager College and was awarded ICI industrial student sponsorship.
She started her career in ICI and followed Phil Browitt to join Agility as Strategic Procurement Manager in 2000. She has occupied several senior positions within the company over the years.
She currently holds the position of Vice President Europe.
Ronse Frederick
Founder & CEO
OVINTO
Short CV
After having studied in Belgium, France, Spain and Italy, Frederick started his career in The Netherlands, working for a large German corporation in the waste sector learning that every single aspect of that business was constantly monitored and measured to enable improvement.
By coincidence Frederick learned that the ‘rail & intermodal freight’-sector was still being operated relying very heavily on manual efforts leaving a big opportunity for improvement.
After 10 years of corporate experience, it was time to start up his own business to fill in the gap discovered in the rail sector. Thus Ovinto was born in 2010 with a mission to optimise the complete supply chain regarding rail & intermodal cargo. This because if we would only put 4% extra in rail freight, we would immediately reduce road transport by more than 9% having a phenomenal impact on mobility and CO2 emissions.
In the last 9 years Frederick has grown the company from a small startup focusing on the monitoring of extremely hazardous goods towards a reference player providing a technology platform to optimise rail & intermodal freight towards large chemical industries such as INEOS, Evonik, Sabic, LyondellBasell, Covestro… and working together with partners such as SAP, Deloitte and the European Space Agency.
Ruiz López Salvador
Logistic & Customer Service Director
REPSOL
Short CV
Mr Ruiz took over the position ofLogistic and Customer Service Director at Repson in September 2020.
He started his career in 1998 at Repsol Chemistry as Operation engineer in the new OP/SM plant, that at this time was a project of construction of a new facility. He was promoted to utilities and cogeneration Power Plant Manager in June 2005 of the Chemistry area of Tarragona Repsol facility and later, in June 2007 Mr. Ruiz was moved to the position of Production Managerat Intermediates products plants in Repsol chemistry Tarragona.
In February 2011, after been working at Tarragona site for 13 years, he leaved Repsol Chemistry and moved to Dynasol.From February 2011 until September 2015, he was in charge of Dynasol Santander Plant, with the responsibility of all the processes of the site. From September 1998 to February 2011 I have been working in Repsol chemistry in Tarragona in different areas related to intermediates products of the Repsol Chemistry business.
From September 2015 to September 2020 Mr. Ruiz worked as Operation Director for Dynasol Group, a joint-venture Company between Repsol and the Mexican Group KUO at 50%. He was in charge of the Global Operation team, with facilities in Spain, Mexico and two plants with different partners in China. Dynasol is one the top ten global leaders in Rubber industry and with its own technology in Solution and Emulsion Rubber process.
Before working in the chemistry business of Repsol, from 1995 1998 he worked as Associated Teacher at Universidad Autónoma of Barcelona (UAB), in the Chemical Engineering department. Mr. Ruiz isgraduated in Industrial Chemistry and hold a Master in Biotechnology applied in Chemical Engineering and Laboral Risks prevention. He also attended a Leadership in Exponential Changing World at the MIT.
Smolders Danny
Managing Director Global Sales
HAPAG-LLOYD
Short CV
1992-date HAPAG-LLOYD AG
MANAGING DIRECTOR HAPAG-LLOYD OVERSEAS TRANSPORT S.A. (HLOT)
HAPAG-LLOYD AREA TURKEY Izmir (2015-date)
- Area Manager of Area Turkey (Turkey and Greece)
SENIOR DIRECTOR GLOBAL OPERATIONS & TERMINALS Hamburg (2009-2015)
- Develop global terminal strategies together with Hapag-Lloyd Regions and Ship Network
DIRECTOR OPERATIONS ITALY Genoa (2006-2009)
- Manage, steer and support the Operations teams
MARINE OPERATIONS DIRECTOR REGION EUROPE Hamburg (2005-2006)
- Coordination, cost effective management of the Marine Operations Region Europe
MANAGER PORT TERMINAL OPERATIONS ITALY Genoa (2001-2005)
FOCAL POINT OPERATIONS MALTA Malta (1999-2001)
PORT TERMINAL OPERATIONS BELGIUM Antwerp (1992-1999)
Stahlhut Michail
CEO
HUPAC
Short CV
Since June 2020, Michail Stahlhut is theCEO of the Hupac Group.
From August 2018 to June 2020 Mr. Stahlhut was CEO of Hupac Intermodal AG and from 2010 to 2018 he was CEO of SBB Cargo International AG, a joint venture between SBB Cargo and Hupac.
His previous roles include Managing Director Technics at Arriva Deutschland (2006 – 2010), Managing Director at Eichholz Verkauf & Logistik (2002 – 2006) and Head of Cargobahnhof Mannheim at DB Cargo AG (1998 – 2002).
Mr. Stahlhut has a degree in Civil Engineering and Environmental Technology from TU Hamburg.
van Egerschot Peter
Logistics Director Europe
DOW CHEMICAL
Short CV
Peter van Egerschot is Logistics Director for Dow Europe since March 2018. He joined the Dow Chemical Company in 1997 in Terneuzen, Netherlands, and has since then worked in a variety of roles in supply chain planning, improvement and logistics. Prior to his current role, he was responsible for managing the supply chain for Dow’s Polyurethanes business in EMEAI as of 2012.
Peter holds a masters degree in mechanical engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology, a post masters in logistics management systems from the same university, and a MBA from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan (US).
Verpoest Paul
Logistic Department Manager
TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS & REFINING
Short CV
Mr. Verpoest held an MScEng in Electromechanics and Energy Conversion and an MBA from the Vlerick Business School. He has 20 years of international experience in strategy, business, sales, operations and engineering in the oil, chemicals and renewables sectors. Mr. Verpoest started his career at Fina Antwerp Olefins as engineer and the Logistics Supervisor, moving to Total Petrochemicals in 2005 to cover several managerial positions in Business Development, Corporate Strategy and Supply Chain Management. I am sending you enclosed a more detailed CV for your information.
Viallatte Jean-Marc
Vice-President Supply Chain Group
ARKEMA
Short CV
Jean-Marc VIALLATTE, 45 years old, is a graduate engineer from IFMA (Institut Français de Mécanique Avancée) in France and from Cambridge University in the UK. He holds a Master’s in mechanical engineering and automated production systems, and an APICS certification.
In 1997 he joined the American group Avery Dennison as customer logistics Project Manager, before heading the introduction of an ERP system for France. He later held a number of Lean Sigma heavily oriented operational posts in plants, being consecutively production manager, plant manager and operations manager France.
In 2006 he joined the Hamelin group as Subsidiary General Manager before becoming Group Managing Director in charge of operations, supply chain and information systems. In this position he oversaw the complete transformation of the group, and put in place a new organization based on standardized processes and an SAP solution rolled out across the group’s 50 sites on the five continents.
In 2013 he joined the Tarkett group as supply chain Vice President for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, creating the group’s supply chain function, and later became the group’s Global supply chain Director in charge of the transformation.
Wretensjo Henrik
Global Vertical Head - Chemicals
A.P. MØLLER - MAERSK
Short CV
Henrik Wretensjö holds an MSc degree in Industrial Management and Engineering from the Institute of Technology at the Lund University, Sweden. He joined Maersk 2011 as a Senior Supply Chain Developer in charge of project management and execution of supply chain development for the various BUs of the A.P. Möller-Maersk group until 2013. Between 2013 and 2019, Henrik held Key Client Management positions, building strong value relationships with the accounts and managing the portfolio of clients in the chemical and food & beverage verticals across all regions. He is currently Global Head of Chemical Vertical, Director Customer Development & Solutions, with global responsibility for strategy and commercial offering to the chemical customer vertical.
Ex-Officio
Devos Peter
Managing Director
ECTA
Short CV
Peter Devos is Managing Director at ECTA, the European Chemical Transport Association.
In 1988, he graduated as AgroEngineer from the University of Louvain, Belgium and holds a second master in Industrial and Business Management.
After a Supply Chain career of more than 25 years at Monsanto in different leading supply chain functions and disciplines across Europe, Peter started up his own independent company in 2016. As independent Supply Chain Practitioner, he is now focusing to further improve the Chemical logistics processes and this together with all stakeholders across the Chemical Supply Chain.
Naessens Joost
Director Transport & Logistics
CEFIC
Short CV
My name is Joost Naessens. I’m 48 years old, father of 3 children, and I live in Deinze (Belgium).
In 1993, I graduated as Master in Chemical Engineering at the University of Ghent.
From 1994 to 1995, I started my career as Project manager for Oleofina (subsidiary of Fina, now Total).
Since 1995, I work for BASF Antwerpen, in different functions like project management, operations management and strategic management, mainly in supply chain and logistics :
- 1995-1997 : Project manager for logistics applications
- 1997-2002 : Logistics analyst, leading projects mainly in the area of production logistics (advanced planning and optimization,…)
- 2002-2004 : Production manager MDI production, responsible for production, supply chain management and logistics operations of the MDI products
- 2004-2015 : Operations manager site logistics, responsible for transport management and site logistics operations : loading, drumming, product warehousing, rail and barge terminal operations, technical materials management,..
- 2015-2018 : Project leader and program manager site infrastructure strategy, responsible for defining and implementing the Antwerp site’s infrastructure strategy 2025 (including utilities, logistics, buildings, safety and security infrastructure)
As from January 2019 : Director Transport & Logistics at the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC)
Members
Ambrosecchia Gerardo
Project Manager
EPCA
Bogacki Mariusz
Expert, Petrochemical Sales Support Team
PKN ORLEN
Short CV
Mariusz Bogacki holds master degree in Finance and Accounting. He completed also postgraduate studies of Agriculture at Warsaw University of Life Sciences.
He started his professional career in banking and airline industry.
He joined PKN ORLEN in 2011. His professional path in PKN ORLEN Mariusz began in Controlling area covering mainly petrochemical business units in PKN Group.
Being experienced in business challenging, starting from 2016 he plays the role of Pricing Manager in ORLEN Capital Group coordinating pricing policy of the Group in CEE region.
Bowes Daniel
Regional Talent Acquisition Manager (EMEA)
HUNTSMAN EUROPE
Short CV
I hold a degree in Business, Economics & Media Communications and have 13 years experience working within a HR capaicty within the Chemical and Oil & Gas sectors, with the last 5 years spent in a Regional Management role within Huntsman Corporation. I lead a multinational team to support the business with recruiting and retaining the best talent for our organisation who can support the growth and development of Huntsman as a gloal business.
My role in Huntsman encompasses, Talent Management, Early Careers / Internship Programs, Talent Analytics, Employer Branding and HR Project Management across our EMEA region.
Ciuciu Caroline
CEO
EPCA
Short CV
Caroline Ciuciu took up her role as EPCA Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2017.
Under her leadership, in close cooperation with the Board and advisory bodies, EPCA embarked on a transformation journey into the leading European ideas marketplace for the global petrochemical community.
Building upon the unparalleled reputation of the EPCA Annual Meetings, Caroline actively developed the second, programmatic pillar of the organisation. She launched a program portfolio connecting thought leadership and corporate sharpness to generate fresh ideas for a smarter and inclusive development of the sector.
This includes the Digitisation in the Petrochemical Supply Chain, a series of research studies and events, in partnership with Vlerick Business School, and a multidimensional exploration of the Talent Management and Leadership, with the support of Accenture, EY and the Antwerp Management School.
Caroline’s organizational overhaul includes rejuvenating the EPCA team, revisiting EPCA governance and redesigning its digital communications strategy.
Prior to her current role, Caroline Ciuciu held several positions in government relations and regulatory affairs in France and Belgium. Her industry career started in 1998 with COGEMA/AREVA in France, followed by three years in FORATOM in Belgium. She then moved from the nuclear energy sector to metals and mining, joining ERAMET in Paris in 2007. In 2012 she became EU Public Affairs Director of Albemarle Europe and moved back to Belgium.
Caroline graduated in International Private Law and Business Law at the University of Paris l Pantheon-Sorbonne.
Costa Rausa Lucia
Repsol Healthcare Technical Manager
REPSOL
Short CV
After graduating from Imperial College London with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 2008, Lucia began working for Repsol, on their graduate training scheme, obtaining a masters specialised in Petroleum Refining & Petrochemicals from the Instituto Superior de la Energía.
Since then she has been holding several positions in the company, including:
- Senior polyolefin healthcare specialist, Technical Service and Development 2019- present
- Polypropylene Film & Fibers specialist, Technical Service and Development 2013-2019
- Production engineer, Puertollano Refinery, 2009-2013
She is currently in charge of project development and serves as technical advisor to customers worldwide withexpert product, processing and application knowledgefor all Repsol Healthcare Polyolefin products. In her role she also works closely with account managers and product managers in developing and implementing product portfolio strategies and identifying opportunities to drive growth and create value in the field of medical and pharmaceutical applications.
Dalderup Ruben
Business Manager Benzene & Aromatic feedstock
SHELL CHEMICALS EUROPE
Short CV
Graduated Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands (2014)
Started career in Shell in 2014.
Previously responsible for Naphtha supply chain in Shell Trading & Supply.
Currently Business Manager Benzene & Aromatic Feedstock in Shell Chemicals Europe.
Fyffe Gina
Executive Director / CEO
INTEGRA PETROCHEMICALS
Short CV
Having graduated in science from the University of Edinburgh, Gina’s career in petrochemicals spans the last 35+ years.
After a short period in biomedical research, she spent 10 years at Exxon Chemical in marketing, steam cracker operations, and shipping both in the UK and the Brussels international HQ.
During her time at Exxon she was a founding member of WISTA (Women In Shipping and Trading Association), with 5 industry friends. WISTA has since grown into a global organisation offering training, support and networking opportunities to women in the industry.
The last 26+ years have been spent working in international trading, having founded the trading and logistics company, Integra in 1989.
In addition to her Integra trading company and main board positions, Gina sits on the board committees of the SCIC (Singapore) and GPCA (Mid East), BTS Tankers Singapore, a charitable medical foundation in Europe, and is president of the board of governors of the German European School, Singapore.
Gina is a regular speaker at conferences on shipping, logistics and petrochemicals for the main consulting companies.
In Asia as part of her commitment to social welfare, training and education she talks and works with companies to develop strategies for social impact investing both at local start-up and government body levels.
On a personal level, Gina is married with 2 school aged children and is currently studying for her diploma in fashion jewellery design and manufacturing at JDMIS in Singapore. In her spare time she is busy co- writing a book on Scottish social history in conjunction with the Scottish and Celtic history dept. of the University of Edinburgh.
de Kruif Jasper
Commercial Manager Ethylene
LYONDELLBASELL
Short CV
Jasper de Kruif holds a Master in Sustainable Processes and Energy Technology. He joined LyondellBasell in 2008 as a Plant Support Process Engineer. In 2013, he moved to a new position in Operations planning and Optimization. Since 2016, Jasper is holding a position in Commercial Management.
Girmann Christoph
Supply Chain Manager
AGILITY LOGISTICS
Short CV
Christoph´s career in Logistics started in 2005 when he joined GeoLogistics, today known as Agility
Logistics Solutions BV. Since then he has developed into his current role as National Operations Manager, Germany & Netherlands.
In his current role he focuses on operational excellence by making sure working instructions are up to date and lead internal audit processes. Furthermore, he leads carrier and customer reviews with a high focus on key performance indicators (KPI). As the market demands efficiency, especially on OTIF – On Time in Full – he leads a project team looking for smart logistic solutions to improve the supply chains of customers whilst also focusing on reducing the environmental footprint. Christoph also leads a project in Germany and the Netherlands to reduce paper use and improve productivity while smartly implementing computer systems and aligning internal KPI measurements. This has already allowed the company to spread work over boundaries to ensure a high level of service is maintained, even during high order levels.
In his first few years with Agility Christoph worked for multiple divisions within the company such as Airfreight / Sea freight / Overland / Fairs & Events and within the project department. Beside these responsibilities he also completed a Bachelor of Business Administration, graduating in June 2014 with the title of State Certified Business Economist.
Goethals Joris
Supply Chain Manager
ADPO
Short CV
Joris Goethals started his career with Adpo in 2006 where he currently holds the position of Supply Chain Manager. He previously worked in several departments within the Adpo Group. Joris is a strong operations professional with a focus on innovation
Hadorn Alain
Deputy Managing Director BU Liquids
BERTSCHI
Short CV
Born in 1984, Alain Hadorn has finished his studies with a Master of Arts in Law and Economics in 2009 and worked in a leading business law firm in Zürich thereafter. He passed his bar exam in 2013. By January 2014, Alain Hadorn joined the Bertschi Group and has undergone a complete logistics traineeship program incl. planning, a period as truck driver, leading a dispatch-department as well as tender and HR management. Since 2015, Alain Hadorn is Project Manager Quotations for the Business Units Liquids of the Bertschi Group, and as such also Deputy Commercial Manager of this BU. He is married and father of 2 boys.
Ismael Michen Marina
Market Manager, Dow Industrial Solutions, EMEAI
DOW EUROPE
Short CV
Marina Ismael Michen holds a PhD in Materials Engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany. She works for The Dow Chemical Company since 2011, where she experienced different positions from technical to commercial. Since March 2018 she works for the Industrial Solutions business as the Global Market Segment Leader for the Crop Defense segment and as the Market Segment Manager for Food, Feed and Crop Defense in EMEAI. She is Brazilian and lives in Switzerland with her husband and children.
Kurus-Ebermann Derya
Director Business Management C4 & Heavy Cracker Products
BASF
Short CV
Derya Kurus-Ebermann is Business Director for C4 & Heavy Cracker Products in Europe at BASF.
The industrial engineering graduate has been with BASF since 2006 in several roles including supply chain and business management.
She also worked on the economic feasibility assessment of investment projects for BASF’s operating divisions Performance Materials and Intermediates.
Derya is passionate about mastering the complexity and fast-changing environment of the chemical industry.
Mueller Gerhard
Head of Diversity & Inclusion
BASF SE
Short CV
Mr. Mueller holds a degree in International Economics as well as an MBA and joined BASF in 2003 where he held several positions in Product and Project management as well as, more recently, in Talent management.
Pavillard Laurence
Head of Diversity, HR Campaigns and Studies
TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS & REFINING
Short CV
Laurence Pavillard is holding a Master degree in Organization and Human Resources from the Pantheon-Sorbonne University (Paris 1). Over her thirty-year career within the Total Group, Laurence held different positions in the HR department with responsibilities for training, recruitment, compensation and benefits or workforce management. From 2010 until 2018, she was responsible for school relations and partnerships for the Marketing & Services Division. She is currently the Head of Diversity, HR Campaigns and Studies unit within the Career management department of Total Refining & Chemicals division.
Pota Andrea
Project Manager (Dry Bulk)
BERTSCHI
Short CV
Born 1986, Andrea Pota finished her studies at Budapest Business School as an economist specializing in Export-Import Management (2009). Meanwhile, she started to work for Den Hartogh Logistics as a trainee. Within 3 years, she became the Head of Operations for their Hungarian subsidiary. May 2014 she joined the Bertschi Group in Switzerland and after a 3 months’ introduction program, Andrea joined the Italian dispatch team for dry bulk. In 2015 she took on a new challenge and moved to Austria, Schwechat for 6 months to drive the implementation of an on-site container storage concept at a major petrochemical producer. After finalizing the project, she returned to the Bertschi Swiss HQ and took over the position Tender Manager for Dry Bulk. Currently, as Project Manager, Andrea is mainly focusing on key projects within the Dry Bulk Team. During her career as part of the Dry Bulk Management Team at Bertschi, she also attended Front Leadership training and joined the Netlop Seminar organized by the Kuehne & Nagel Foundation.
Rojas Maria Pilar
Corporate Culture Manager
REPSOL
Short CV
Pilar brings over 20 years of progressive experience in corporate and business HR functions where she provided thought leadership, tactical design, delivery and oversight to a variety of state-of-the art and transformational HR, talent development and employee engagement initiatives across global locations.
In her current role, she is responsible for leading Repsol´s overall corporate culture strategy, diversity and inclusion and employee engagement initiatives. Committed and passionate about collaborative strategic development of innovative and socially responsible solutions to support business goals.
Pilar is an Executive Coach and holds a Bachelor´s degree in Psychology and a master in Human Resources from IE Business School. She serves the Board of the International Human Capital Organization and actively participates in several organizations committed to promote and highlight the valuable contribution of diverse and inclusive workplaces.
Roux Sebastien
Europe Basic Chemicals Feedstock & Optimization manager
EXXONMOBIL PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL
Short CV
Sebastien Roux
ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical
2001 – 2004 Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France
B.S / M.S Engineering – Majors in Chemistry / Biochemistry
2004 – 2005 IFP School, Rueil Malmaison, France
Ecole Polytechnique, Montréal, Canada
M.S. in Petrochemicals, Polymers & Plastics
Intern with Total Petrochemicals France (Mont, Gonfreville)
2006 – 2008 ExxonMobil Chemical France – Notre Dame de Gravenchon, France
2006 Isobutylene / Butyl Contact Engineer
2007 Adhesions/Additives Plant Analyst
2008 – 2011 ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical – Brussels, Belgium
2008 Adhesions Europe Business Analyst
2010 Adhesions Global Supply/Demand Leader
2011 – 2017 ExxonMobil Chemical France – Notre Dame de Gravenchon, France
2011 Polyethylene Process Leader
2012 Manufacturing Workforce Efficiencies Leader
2014 Polyethylene/Polypropylene Business Team Leader
2015 Manufacturing Operational Excellence Advisor
2016 Polymers Process Department Head
2017+ ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical – Brussels, Belgium
2017 Europe Aromatics Commercial Manager
2019+ Europe Basic Chemicals Feedstock & Optimization Manager
Ruigt Paul
Senior Account Manager, Olefins & Aromatics
SABIC
Short CV
Paul Ruigt started his career with SABIC in 2006 where he currently holds the position of Category Manager for Shipping & Barging. He previously worked in the Supply Chain Polymers department and held a position within SABIC’s Company Procurement department.
Paul holds a Master degree in Industrial Engineering and Management Science from the Technical University Eindhoven.
Secchi Francesca
International HR Development and Training Manager
VERSALIS
Short CV
I am an International HR Development and Training Manager (Versalis SpA) with almost 15 years’ experience in managing international cross-functional HR areas/projects. I have joined HR community after a Master Degree in Personal and Organization Management, awarded by Bocconi University – Milan.
I have been working for ENI since 2005, improving my knowledge and experience in the HR areas: Development, Organization and international management in Italy and abroad, with two years’ experience in Norway in the sphere of Development and Organization and one year in UK as an HR referent of a company acquisition project.
Thanks to my strong experience in HR, Development and International Management, in 2019 I started a new assignment in Versalis (Eni) as International HR Development and Training Manager.
van Dassen Müller Anne
Chief HR Officer
STOLT - NIELSEN
Short CV
Anne van Dassen Müller, Chief HR Officer at Stolt-Nielsen Group
Since 2012, Mrs. Müller has been responsible for HR worldwide (6500 full time employees), actively supporting the strategic growth of Stolt-Nielsen Ltd and ensuring the optimal allocation of human resources. Previously Ms. Müller held the role of European HR Director for JohnsonDiversey, where she was in charge of supporting the transformation of the company from a decentralised to a centralised European organisation and ensuring the attraction and retention of talent during the process.
Veraa Mariëlle
HR Advisor Commercial Business Europe
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES
Short CV
Mariëlle Veraa is a Human Resource Advisor for the Commercial Business of LyondellBasell in Europe.
Within her respective business units she is responsible for all personnel related matters, talent management, succession planning and training.
She joined LyondellBasell in 2011 as Sr. Assistant and has joined HR in 2012 as HR Generalist. After studying next to her fulltime job she has successfully obtained her Bachelor degree in Human Resource management in 2016 after which she has been appointed in her current role.
Ex-Officio
Sigamoney Rovani
Engineering Programme Specialist
UNESCO
Short CV
Caroline Ciuciu took up her role as EPCA Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2017.
Under her leadership, in close cooperation with the Board and advisory bodies, EPCA embarked on a transformation journey into the leading European ideas marketplace for the global petrochemical community.
Building upon the unparalleled reputation of the EPCA Annual Meetings, Caroline actively developed the second, programmatic pillar of the organisation. She launched a program portfolio connecting thought leadership and corporate sharpness to generate fresh ideas for a smarter and inclusive development of the sector.
This includes the Digitisation in the Petrochemical Supply Chain, a series of research studies and events, in partnership with Vlerick Business School, and a multidimensional exploration of the Talent Management and Leadership, with the support of Accenture, EY and the Antwerp Management School.
Caroline’s organizational overhaul includes rejuvenating the EPCA team, revisiting EPCA governance and redesigning its digital communications strategy.
Prior to her current role, Caroline Ciuciu held several positions in government relations and regulatory affairs in France and Belgium. Her industry career started in 1998 with COGEMA/AREVA in France, followed by three years in FORATOM in Belgium. She then moved from the nuclear energy sector to metals and mining, joining ERAMET in Paris in 2007. In 2012 she became EU Public Affairs Director of Albemarle Europe and moved back to Belgium.
Caroline graduated in International Private Law and Business Law at the University of Paris l Pantheon-Sorbonne.
Stojanovski Dragan
Marketing & Digital Communications Manager
Tel:+32 (0)2 741 86 66
Conway Eleanor
Membership & Meetings Administrator, IMPCA Coordinator
Tel:+32 (0)2 741 86 72