Swiss chemicals major Clariant announced today that its CEO Ernesto Occhiello has resigned for personal reasons with immediate effect. Hariolf Kottmann, chairman of the company's board of directors, has assumed Occhiello's responsibilities in the interim as executive chairman.

Occhiello was appointed as CEO of Clariant in September 2018 following SABIC’s acquisition of a 24.99% stake in the Swiss company, announced in January 2018.

Clariant said that until further notice, Clariant’s Executive Committee will consist of Hariolf Kottmann, executive chairman, Patrick Jany, chief financial officer, and Hans Bohnen, chief operating officer. In order to comply with Swiss governance rules, Eveline Saupper has been appointed independent lead director of the board.