Advertise on podcast: Speciality Sessions

In this episode of Speciality Sessions, Natasha Klymczuk is joined by Fenna van Zanten, Global M&A Director at IMCD, business division leader and member of its Executive Committee. Fenna’s career has taken her from corporate law and advising on transactions to working inside the business, where her responsibilities now span M&A, integration, commercial leadership and people management. They explore why successful integration cannot simply be reduced to executing a playbook. Every acquisition brings together different people, cultures, concerns and ways of working, and Fenna explains why understanding those realities is essential before an integration can truly begin. Fenna also shares what moving into product management taught her about the operational complexity of chemical distribution, why ownership does not mean doing everything yourself and how she balances ambition and high standards with patience. The conversation also looks ahead to M&A across chemical distribution, including continued consolidation, succession challenges, increasing regulatory and digital demands and the gap between buyer and seller expectations. An open conversation about ambition, empathy, authenticity and why pushing harder does not always produce a better outcome. Chapters CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction00:40 Dreaming big and refusing to be put in a box01:44 Moving from law into chemicals and M&A04:04 From adviser to operator05:46 Why integration is not a playbook06:34 The human impact of an acquisition08:15 Bringing different cultures together09:10 Moving into commercial product management12:39 Learning patience and self-compassion14:00 What ownership really means15:31 Building a high-performing team17:47 Knowing when to push and when to pause20:19 Staying focused under pressure22:07 The future of chemical distribution M&A24:55 Seller expectations and dealmaking26:09 Bringing a different perspective to M&A27:01 “There is no mould”28:02 Competition, resilience and winning29:49 What Fenna has changed her mind about31:14 Final thoughts

In this episode of Speciality Sessions, Natasha speaks to Premal Desai, CEO of hubergroup. Known for its heritage in printing inks and packaging solutions, hubergroup is evolving into a broader specialty chemicals business. Premal shares how the company is navigating that transformation, what it means to lead through change, and why he believes India will play an increasingly important role in the future of global manufacturing and innovation. The conversation explores leadership, supply chain resilience, talent, and the realities of managing a business through periods of significant transition. From a personal story that brings Premal's career full circle, to practical lessons on transformation and growth, this episode offers valuable insights for leaders across the chemicals and manufacturing sectors. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Premal Desai and hubergroup 01:20 - From Printing Inks to Specialty Chemicals 03:25 - Career Journey: From BCG and Steel to Chemicals 06:03 - A Personal Connection to India 08:16 - India's Growing Role in Global Manufacturing 11:13 - What Makes Europe-India Partnerships Work 12:48 - Talent, Innovation and Global Capability Centres 17:07 - Leading Through Transformation and Change 19:29 - What Leaders Need to Get Right During Change 21:42 - Growth in a Challenging Chemicals Market 22:28 - The One Huber Philosophy 23:10 - Supply Chain Resilience and Procurement Strategy 24:34 - Why Chemical Supply Chains Are Often Misunderstood 26:40 - Advice for the Next Generation of Industry Leaders 28:36 - From Being Right to Being Responsible 30:20 - Closing Remarks

In this episode of Speciality Sessions, Natasha speaks to Thoralf Gliese, Chief Commercial Officer at Omya. With more than 20 years inside one of the world’s leading specialty materials businesses, Thoralf shares his perspective on transferable skills, innovation, leadership, customer intimacy, and why long-term thinking matters more than ever in today’s market environment. The conversation explores the evolution of chemical distribution, the value of adjacent sector experience, how innovation creates resilience during downturns, and the differences between privately owned and publicly listed businesses when it comes to decision-making and strategy. Thoralf also reflects on his own career journey from the paper industry into specialty materials, the importance of staying connected to academia and science, and why some of the best opportunities come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction00:21 - From Paper Industry to Omya01:41 - Moving Beyond One Industry02:24 - Staying Connected to Academia & Science03:16 - Attracting Young Talent into Chemicals05:24 - Why Customer Proximity Matters07:03 - Moving from Technical to Commercial Roles08:09 - Transferable Skills & Adjacent Sector Hiring10:54 - How to Successfully Onboard Cross-Industry Talent12:32 - Omya’s Evolution into Distribution14:17 - Changing Market Perception & Strategic Focus17:49 - Innovation & Technical Credibility19:29 - Innovation During Market Downturns20:59 - Long-Term Thinking in Difficult Markets21:33 - Private Ownership & Thinking in Generations23:01 - Strategic Decision-Making in Private Businesses25:03 - Leadership During Challenging Markets25:30 - What Good Leadership Actually Looks Like26:44 - Why Communication Is Critical in Leadership27:12 - Career Change, Risk & Leaving Your Comfort Zone28:29 - Final Reflections on Leadership & Communication

In this episode of Speciality Sessions, Natasha speaks to Chris Brown, VP ESG at Synthomer. From starting his career in environmental engineering to leading ESG strategy at one of the world’s leading specialty polymer businesses, Chris shares a commercially grounded perspective on sustainability, innovation and the future direction of the chemical industry. This conversation goes beyond compliance and reporting - into how sustainability creates competitive advantage, why commercial teams are central to innovation, and how chemistry underpins almost every aspect of modern life. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction & Chris Brown’s Background 02:00 - Perceptions of the Chemical Industry 05:40 - Why Chemistry Has a Branding Problem 09:15 - Why Chemistry Underpins Modern Life 10:00 - Sustainability as Long-Term Strategy 12:15 - Why Sustainability Must Be Embedded Into Business Strategy 14:10 - Reframing Sustainability Around Commercial Value 15:30 - The Role of Commercial Teams in Sustainable Innovation 18:20 - Building Customer Relationships Through Sustainability 21:25 - Innovation Timing & Market Readiness 24:15 - Who Really Drives Innovation in the Value Chain? 25:55 - Reasons for Optimism in the Chemicals Sector 26:30 - China’s Five-Year Plan & Global Competition 28:00 - How Chemistry Enables Sustainable Outcomes 31:30 - Advice for Sustainability Leaders 33:45 - Changing Perspectives on Sustainability & Leadership

In the first episode of Season 2 of Speciality Sessions, Natasha speaks to Anna Bertona, CEO of Azelis. From entering the chemicals industry without a traditional background, to leading one of the world’s top distribution businesses, Anna shares a candid view on leadership, decision-making, and what it really takes to operate in a complex, high-performance environment. This conversation goes beyond the headlines - into how leaders actually think, hire, and make decisions when the stakes are high. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction & About Azelis 02:00 - Breaking Misconceptions in Chemical Distribution 03:45 - What Makes the Distribution Model So Powerful 05:00 - Manufacturing vs Distribution: Why Transitions Are Hard 06:45 - Leadership Style: Empowerment vs Accountability 08:20 - How Leadership Evolves Over Time 09:10 - The Behaviours That Destroy High-Performing Teams 10:05 - Scaling Culture in a Global Business 11:50 - Hiring for ‘Why’, Not Just Job Specs 12:50 - Consulting vs Industry Thinking14:40 - Decision-Making Without Perfect Information 16:00 - Women in Leadership & Industry Progress 19:40 - The Real Challenge: Retaining Talent 21:00 - What Makes a Great Leadership Team 23:00 - The Toughest Career Moments 24:15 - Letting Go of the ‘Super Specialist’ Mindset 25:20 - Advice for First-Time Senior Leaders 26:30 - Navigating a Challenging Market 29:40 - What Anna Changed Her Mind About

In this final episode of the first series of "Speciality Sessions," host Natasha Klymczuk sits down with Christian Kohlpaintner, a seasoned leader in the chemical industry, to discuss the art of resilience and leadership. Christian shares insights from his extensive career, including his transition from CEO at Brenntag to a supervisory role at Evonik. They explore the challenges and opportunities within the European chemical sector, the importance of building resilient business models, and the role of mentorship and coaching in personal and professional growth. Christian also offers valuable advice for leaders at all levels on fostering team resilience and navigating career transitions. Chapters: [00:10] Introduction and Welcome[01:28] Opportunities in the European Chemical Sector[03:07] Building Resilient Business Models[06:43] Leadership and Team Resilience[09:59] Career Transitions and Taking Risks[14:02] Mentorship and Coaching[19:11] Leadership Challenges and Adjustments[21:19] Innovation in Distribution[25:25] Final Thoughts and Advice

Most chemical industry leaders don’t get the recognition they deserve — but Jenn Klein is changing that. As CEO of SOCMA, she reveals how the specialty chemical sector touches our daily lives in more ways than we realise, from water safety to electronics, and why understanding this industry’s power is crucial for the future.In this candid conversation, Jen shares her unexpected journey into chemicals, from political science to industry advocate, and explains why her passion lies in supporting the unsung heroes behind the products we use every day. You'll discover how the sector's nimbleness and problem-solving mindset are shaping resilient, innovative companies that are investing strategically despite global uncertainties.ChaptersIntro: Leadership & Influence - 00:00SOCMA & CEO Role - 05:24Leadership Transition - 07:33Sector Pathways - 09:13Sustainability Connection - 11:24Unique Industry Traits - 13:15Value Chain Communication - 15:25Underappreciated Areas - 17:02Attracting Talent - 19:10Career Growth - 20:36SOCMA Advocacy - 22:10Industry Voice - 24:03Regulatory Challenges - 25:01Hazard vs. Risk - 27:22Manufacturing Trends - 29:26Agility in Disruption - 31:47Reshoring Momentum - 33:21Talent & Diversity - 36:09Mentorship & Leadership - 38:23Self-Awareness & Learning - 40:44Embracing Failure - 43:12Life Mantra - 44:34

In this episode, Bernd Schneider, Global Co-Head of Chemicals at Stifel, discusses the intricacies of M&A in the chemical industry, addressing misconceptions, the impact of ownership changes, and the evolving landscape of buyers. He shares insights on what makes a good chemical asset, the challenges faced in post-M&A scenarios, and offers advice for CEOs navigating ownership changes. Bernd also reflects on his unique journey from a polymer chemist to investment banking, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and continuous learning in career development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bernd Schneider and Stiefel 02:47 Understanding the Chemicals Sector and Its Opportunities 03:46 Misconceptions About M&A in the Chemical Industry 05:19 Impact of Ownership Change on Employees 07:20 Advice for CEOs During Ownership Changes 09:43 Common Surprises in Post-M&A Scenarios 10:50 Shifts in the Chemical Asset Buying Landscape 12:05 Evaluating Value in the Bio Landscape 12:29 Strategic vs Financial Buyers 13:54 Current Market Dynamics in Chemical Assets 15:04 Characteristics of Good Chemical Assets 18:21 Future Predictions for M&A Activity 21:56 Transitioning from Chemistry to Finance 26:59 Advice to My Younger Self

In this episode, Natasha Klymczuk interviews Martin John, CEO of KRAHN Chemie Group, discussing his transition from a large manufacturing company to a more agile distribution role. Martin shares insights on leadership, the importance of chemistry in various industries, and the challenges of adapting to a new organizational structure. He emphasizes the significance of building relationships, enabling value, and learning from experiences in the chemical industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Martin John and KRAHN Chemie Group 00:55 Transitioning from Production to Distribution 05:56 Finding Passion in Chemistry 09:19 Leadership Lessons from a Diverse Career 11:23 Navigating the Shift to Agile Organizations 13:28 Balancing Progress and Patience as a CEO 15:14 Lessons Learned in Leadership 18:03 The Marathon of Change 19:45 Listening to Understand 22:42 Deciding When to Act 24:26 Navigating Structural Changes 27:00 Skills for Future Leaders 29:19 Advice for Young Professionals 31:30 Next Episode

In this episode of Specialty Sessions, host Natasha Klymczuk speaks with Antje Gerber, EVP INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS at Sasol, about the company's transformation in the chemical industry, its South African heritage, and the importance of leadership during challenging times. Antje shares insights on managing change, fostering employee morale, and the need for optimism and realism in leadership. The conversation also touches on the role of chemicals in energy transition and the significance of diverse experiences in leadership roles. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sasol and Antje Gerber 00:51 Sasol's South African Heritage and Global Perspective 02:27 Transformation in the Chemical Industry 04:45 Managing Change and Employee Morale 08:25 Cultural Shifts and Leadership in Transformation 10:49 Balancing Optimism and Realism in Leadership 12:11 Understanding Seysol's Global Impact 13:06 Cultural Differences in Leadership 14:47 Chemicals and Energy Transition 15:37 Leadership Adaptability Across Different Companies 18:51 The Importance of Diverse Experience in Leadership 20:24 Passion for the Chemical Industry 21:28 Future Opportunities in the Chemical Sector 22:42 Advice for the Next Generation in Chemistry

In this episode, Marcus Jordan, CEO of IMCD, shares insights on the importance of distribution careers, the transition from technical to commercial roles, and the value of diverse experiences in building a successful career. He emphasizes the need for enthusiasm in leadership, the role of AI in transforming distribution, and the significance of work-life balance. Marcus encourages young talent to consider distribution as a dynamic and exciting career path, highlighting the industry's agility and the opportunities it presents for future-proofing careers. Takeaways People are the biggest asset in any organization.Distribution offers diverse career opportunities.Transitioning from technical to commercial roles can be rewarding.Diverse experiences enhance leadership capabilities.Managing enthusiasm in teams is crucial for success.Communication with management is key for career growth.AI can streamline processes in distribution.Agility in distribution allows for adaptation to market changes.Work-life balance is essential for effective leadership.Encouraging young talent is vital for the industry's future. Chapters 00:00 Inspiring the Next Generation 04:20 The Value of Distribution Careers 10:37 Transitioning from Technical to Commercial Roles 13:01 The Importance of Diverse Experiences 20:15 Managing Enthusiasm in Leadership 21:21 Navigating Career Changes 22:57 The Role of AI in Distribution 27:13 Future-Proofing Careers in Distribution 28:57 Agility and Team Dynamics 30:20 Work-Life Balance as a Leader 33:12 Encouraging Young Talent in Distribution

In this conversation, Andrew Warmington discusses the contrasting marketing strategies of large corporations and small to medium enterprises (SMEs). He highlights the challenges SMEs face in gaining media coverage compared to bigger players with substantial marketing budgets. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of unique contributions from lesser-known companies in attracting media attention. Takeaways - Big players have larger marketing budgets and dedicated teams. - Editors are interested in featuring unique companies. - SMEs don't need to struggle to get media coverage. - Networking at industry shows is crucial to build trade media relationships. - Unique contributions can attract media interest. - Editors appreciate new and interesting stories. - Marketing strategies vary significantly between large and small companies. - Engagement with media can lead to better coverage for SMEs.

In this episode, Natasha Klymczuk interviews Julia Schlenz, President of Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India at Dow. Julia shares her unique career journey from public relations to the chemical industry, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and psychological safety in leadership. She discusses the challenges and opportunities within the chemical sector, particularly in relation to innovation and regulatory constraints. Julia also highlights the distinctive culture at Dow that fosters integrity and performance, and offers valuable advice for early career talent and her younger self. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Julia Schlenz and Dow 01:56 Career Journey: From Public Relations to Chemicals 05:58 Building Credibility in a Technical Environment 09:58 Evolution of Leadership: From Proving to Supporting 14:01 Creating Psychological Safety in Teams 17:54 Stepping Out of Comfort Zones 21:58 Supporting Early Career Talent 26:02 The Distinctive Culture at Dow 29:57 Opportunities and Challenges in the Chemical Sector 34:03 Innovation and the Future of Chemicals 35:58 Advice to Younger Self

In this conversation, James Clews, Managing Director of Technikraft, discusses the various career paths available, emphasising that there is no singular right choice. He highlights the advantages of working in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly the flexibility and quick decision-making that come with smaller teams and structures.

In this inaugural episode of Speciality Sessions, host Natasha Klymczuk interviews David Jukes, CEO of Univar Solutions. David shares his unique journey into the chemical industry, emphasising the importance of education and the need for better communication about career opportunities in chemistry. He discusses the noble nature of the profession, the challenges faced by the industry, and the role of innovation and resilience in overcoming these obstacles. David also reflects on his leadership experiences, the impact of AI on the future of work, and the essential value of chemistry to society. He concludes with advice for the younger generation, encouraging them to trust their instincts and be authentically themselves. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Speciality Sessions 00:58 David's Journey into the Chemical Industry 06:26 The Importance of Education in Chemistry 11:30 Chemistry: A Good and Noble Profession 16:35 Leadership Lessons from David's Career 25:02 Navigating Challenges in the Chemical Industry 34:11 Innovation and Resilience in Chemistry 39:04 The Role of AI in the Future of Leadership 47:22 The Value of Chemistry to Society 52:11 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Younger Generation