Hempel’s current VP & COO Lars Petersson to become the company’s new CEO

Hempel’s current VP & COO Lars Petersson to become the company’s new CEO

(PRESS RELEASE) LYNGBY, 8-May-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — Lars Petersson, currently Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer in Hempel A/S, has just been promoted to the position of CEO of Hempel A/S. He will succeed Henrik Andersen on that position and the leadership change will be in effect from 1 July 2019.

Lars Petersson has been with Hempel since March 2015 when he joined the company as Group COO. Lars was part of the Executive Management Board having delivered remarkable results taking a central role in the company’s global transformation.

Lars Petersson has a MSc in Industrial Engineering and Management from Chalmers University of Technology. Prior to joining Hempel, Lars has been Senior Vice President of Inwido, Europe’s largest window manufacturer and Vice President in the global flooring company Tarkett.

Commenting on the leadership change, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hempel A/S Richard Sand said:

“With Lars Petersson’s insight in Hempel, his market insight, his leadership qualities, and the results he has created, Lars has shown that he is just the right person to take over as CEO and continue the journey for Hempel’s future global transformation and growth. The fact that the natural choice of a Group President and CEO is an existing top leader from Hempel, shows that we have succeeded in establishing the right leadership team for the future. The Board has high expectations of Lars and his executive management team, and we are looking much forward to continuing the great collaborative work.”

Thanking to the Board for the trust they are showing him, Lars Petersson, newly appointed CEO, commented:

“I have experienced how unique this company is. With more than 6.600 dedicated colleagues in 80 countries, a strong value-based culture, a very special customer focus and social engagement, as well as a commitment to always challenging ourselves, I am both enthusiastic and proud to be part of the Hempel family. Hempel is a company where we all work together to execute our strategy and to reach the goals we set for ourselves.”

“We will continue our strategic journey, Journey to Excellence, with the purpose of improving in all parameters. The goal is to grow globally being the leader in the coatings industry. We have to be the front-runners in the global consolidation, and we have to be perceived as leading in the segments and markets we choose to compete in.”

Henrik Andersen, the departing CEO, leaves a solid and healthy Hempel to Lars Petersson.

Commenting on Henrik Andersen’s departure, Richard Sand, said:

“It was with sadness that the Board received Henrik’s resignation. At the same time, we are happy on Henrik’s behalf that he has accepted a new and exciting challenge. The Board would like to thank Henrik for a truly exceptional and dedicated effort. Henrik has initiated, structured, and led a comprehensive global transformation of the company and simultaneously created particularly good results in a difficult and challenged market.”

Henrik Andersen’s new position will be with Vestas A/S as the company’s new President and CEO. Henrik will start his work on the new position on 1 August 2019. Until the change takes effect, Henrik Andersen will remain engaged in his work for Hempel and will contribute to the smooth transition of the responsibilities to Lars Petersson and the Executive Management Board.

Media can reach out to Malte V. Eggers, Corporate Branding & Communication Director, for more information at +45 2097 5809 and meg@hempel.com.

SOURCE: Hempel