The Supervisory Board of Brenntag SE, the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, appointed Jens Birgersson as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Management Board effective September 1, 2025. Jens Birgersson most recently served as President and CEO of Rockwool Group, Denmark. Prior to that, he has held various management positions in international market-leading companies in different industries. Jens Birgersson succeeds Dr Christian Kohlpaintner, who decided not to renew his contract as already communicated in November 2024, and who is stepping down from his position on August 31, 2025.

Richard Ridinger, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Brenntag SE: “With Jens Birgersson we have been able to appoint an internationally very experienced business leader as our new CEO. In combination with his operational excellence orientation, he brings all the skills needed to steer Brenntag’s further growth path and strategic development. He has demonstrated that he can deliver performance gains in challenging economic circumstances and drive complex transformation processes in global, market leading companies. His mission at Brenntag will be to further improve the company’s operational performance, execute its growth strategy and to continue Brenntag’s ambitious transformation as a key prerequisite for sustainable growth and long-term success.”

The future CEO, Jens Birgersson, commented on his appointment: “I am honored by the trust the Supervisory Board has placed in me. As the global number one and a DAX 40 company, Brenntag enjoys a strong reputation, unique selling proposition and high visibility, both nationally and internationally. I am excited to lead this well-positioned and high-potential company into its next chapter. I look forward to the opportunity to join my colleagues on the Management Board and the entire Brenntag team in September.”

The appointment of Jens Birgersson also marks the end of Dr Christian Kohlpaintner’s almost six years tenure with Brenntag as its CEO. Richard Ridinger: “On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Christian Kohlpaintner. His commitment and strong leadership have been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and success. Since the beginning of 2020, he has successfully led Brenntag through a period of considerable economic and geopolitical challenges. Despite this challenging environment, he has initiated and driven the biggest transformation in our company’s 150-year history, positioning Brenntag for future growth. With his outstanding contributions he has not only maintained but further expanded Brenntag’s leading position in the market worldwide. The Supervisory Board wishes him all the best for the future.”

Dr Christian Kohlpaintner, CEO Brenntag SE: “After almost six rewarding years at the helm of Brenntag, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our exceptional employees, whose passion and expertise are the driving force behind every challenge we have mastered, behind every milestone we achieved together. I also want to thank the Supervisory Board and my colleagues at the Management Board for their trusting and constructive cooperation. Until I hand over to my successor, I will continue to focus on leading our people, safeguarding operational excellence and delivering on the promises we have made to our business partners and shareholders. Together with the leadership team, I will ensure a seamless transition that maintains our strategic and improvement momentum. I have full confidence that, under the leadership of Jens Birgersson, Brenntag will continue to thrive, and I look forward to the team’s future successes.”

Jens Birgersson, born in 1967 and a Swedish citizen, has more than 20 years of management experience in listed, international market-leading companies in different industries. The manager, who was educated in Sweden and the US, holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in physics engineering and economics. He started his career and worked for more than 20 years at ABB Group, a global technology leader in electrification and automation, working in Switzerland, Sweden, and South Africa. This includes the role as ABB Group’s Senior Vice President and Head of Business Unit Network Management. From 2005 to 2008, he was Executive Vice President and Head of Business Group Performance Minerals & Pigments of Imerys, Belgium, a globally leading provider of mineral-based specialties. Most recently, from 2015 to 2024, Jens Birgersson served as President and CEO of Rockwool Group, Denmark, the world’s largest manufacturer of insulation materials and systems made from stone wool.

About Brenntag 

Brenntag is the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution. The company holds a central role in connecting customers and suppliers of the chemical industry. Headquartered in Essen, Germany, Brenntag has more than 18,100 employees worldwide and operates a network of around 600 sites in more than 70 countries. In 2024, Brenntag generated sales of 16.2 billion EUR. The two global divisions, Brenntag Essentials and Brenntag Specialties, provide a diversified and broad portfolio of industrial and specialty chemicals and ingredients as well as tailor-made application, marketing, and supply chain solutions, technical and formulation support, comprehensive regulatory know-how, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries. Brenntag pursues an ambitious sustainability agenda and is committed to sustainable solutions in its own sector and the industries served. Brenntag shares have been listed at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 2010, in the DAX since September 2021. In addition, the Brenntag SE shares are listed in the DAX 30 ESG and DAX ESG Target. For more information, visit www.brenntag.com.