“Over the past five years, we have initiated the biggest transformation in our company’s 150-year history to position Brenntag for future growth. We have successfully completed the first step of the transformation and, with our two divisions, consistently aligned Brenntag with the changing and differentiated needs of our customers and suppliers. I am proud to have successfully shaped this development, which is crucial to Brenntag’s long-term success, together with my colleagues on the Board of Management and the entire Brenntag team,” commented Kohlpaintner.

He added: “The decision was not an easy one for me. We have a lot of work ahead of us in the coming year, and I will continue to work on these tasks with full commitment until the end of my contract term. Our priorities are to improve the company’s operational performance and to execute our growth strategy. At the same time, we will continue to push ahead with our ambitious transformation program as a key prerequisite for Brenntag’s sustainable success.”

Kohlpaintner has been CEO and a member of the Brenntag’s board of management since Jan. 1, 2020.

The Supervisory Board said that it will immediately initiate an orderly procedure for the succession of the CEO.