chemical producer Lonza, effective July 1. CEO of Swiss chemical manufacturer and distributor Kolb Ltd since 2012, Abend will have primary responsibility for corporate strategy and business development as well as the business segments Consumer Care and Industrial Solutions, and will ensure focused delivery of Lonza's growth strategy, the company said.

Abend began his career as a scientist with Unilever's Home & Personal Care division, and later worked for Germany's Cognis, where current Lonza CEO Richard Ridinger was a member of the executive board.

Beat In-Albon will remain COO for Lonza's Specialty Ingredients segment focusing in particular on Agro Ingredients, Water Treatment and Wood Protection.