Richard Ridinger Set to Guide dsm-firmenich’s Next Chapter as Proposed Chair

Richard Ridinger Set to Guide dsm-firmenich’s Next Chapter as Proposed Chair

(IN BRIEF) dsm-firmenich has announced that Thomas Leysen, Chair of the Board of Directors, has decided to retire from the Board once shareholders elect a successor, following the completion of the company’s merger and the setting of its strategic direction. The Board has unanimously proposed Richard Ridinger, currently an independent director of dsm-firmenich and a member of the Nomination and Governance Committee, as the new Chairman, with shareholders set to vote on the appointment at an Extraordinary General Shareholders Meeting on 19 October 2026. Ridinger brings more than three decades of leadership experience across life sciences, specialty chemicals and healthcare, including serving as CEO of Lonza from 2012 to 2019 and holding board roles at Brenntag SE, Recipharm AG and NOVO Holdings. The company said Ridinger’s knowledge of dsm-firmenich and global governance experience will support continuity as it executes its strategy, continues its margin improvement program and prepares for its next phase of growth and value creation.

(PRESS RELEASE) KAISERAUGST/MAASTRICHT, 19-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — dsm-firmenich, the Swiss company active in nutrition, health and beauty, has announced that Thomas Leysen, Chair of the Board of Directors, has decided to retire from the Board.

The announcement was issued as an ad hoc announcement pursuant to article 53 of the SIX Swiss Exchange Listing Rules.

Leysen will step down from his roles as Director and Chair once his successor has been elected by shareholders.

His decision follows the completion of the dsm-firmenich merger and the setting of the company’s strategic direction.

He will now devote more time to his other corporate and non-profit mandates.

The Board of Directors has unanimously proposed Richard Ridinger, currently an independent director of dsm-firmenich, as Leysen’s successor.

Shareholders will be asked to approve Ridinger’s appointment at an Extraordinary General Shareholders Meeting, known as an EGM, scheduled for 19 October 2026.

Ridinger brings broad executive and board-level experience across global, innovation-led businesses in Pharma, Home and Personal Care, and Nutrition and Health.

dsm-firmenich said his deep understanding of the company positions him well to succeed Leysen and provide continuity as the company executes its strategy and works to create long-term value for shareholders and other stakeholders.

The company said this strategic direction was communicated earlier this year at dsm-firmenich’s Capital Markets Day.

The Board thanked Leysen for his leadership during the creation and development of dsm-firmenich.

Since the company’s formation, Leysen has helped shape a strong and resilient organization, providing steady guidance through a period of significant change and challenging market conditions.

The Board said his leadership has been instrumental in positioning dsm-firmenich for its next phase of growth and value creation.

Thomas Leysen, Chairman of the Board, said dsm-firmenich is now fully operating as one company, with portfolio tuning nearing completion, including the anticipated closing of the Animal Nutrition & Health sale later this year.

He also pointed to the rejuvenation of the Executive Committee and the ongoing margin improvement program as reasons why this is an appropriate time to hand over to a new Chair.

Leysen said Ridinger has the necessary experience to help take dsm-firmenich to its next level.

He added that it has been a pleasure and an honour to chair the Board during the formative stages of the company.

Richard Ridinger, proposed Chairman, said dsm-firmenich has made significant progress in recent years and now stands on a strong foundation for the future.

He said he is deeply honoured by the Board’s trust and looks forward to shaping the company’s next chapter together with the Board and the Executive Committee.

Biography of Richard Ridinger

Richard Ridinger is an independent director of dsm-firmenich and a member of the Nomination and Governance Committee.

He is a German national and previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Lonza.

His current non-executive directorships include Chair of the Supervisory Board of Brenntag SE, a public company; Chair of the Board of Recipharm AG, a private company; and membership of the Advisory Group of NOVO Holdings.

Ridinger has served as an independent member of the Board of Directors of dsm-firmenich since 2023.

Before the merger, he served on the Board of Directors of Firmenich from 2016 to 2023 and was a member of its Finance, Audit & Risk Committee and Scientific Advisory Board.

Ridinger brings more than three decades of international leadership experience across the life sciences, specialty chemicals and healthcare sectors.

From 2012 to 2019, he served as CEO of Lonza, where he led the company’s transformation into a leading global life sciences partner.

Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Cognis and Henkel across research and development, operations, business management and executive leadership.

dsm-firmenich said Ridinger’s boardroom experience, knowledge of the company and track record in leading global organizations provide valuable expertise in governance, strategy, innovation and long-term value creation.

For more information

Media relations
Robin Roothans
Tel. +41 (0)79 280 03 96
Email: media@dsm-firmenich.com

Investor relations
Dave Huizing
Tel. +31 (0)88 425 7306
Email: investors@dsm-firmenich.com

About dsm-firmenich

dsm-firmenich is active in nutrition, health and beauty, developing, manufacturing and combining vital nutrients, flavours and fragrances for the world’s growing population.

The company offers a broad range of solutions using natural and renewable ingredients, supported by science and technology capabilities.

dsm-firmenich works to create products that are essential for life, desirable for consumers and more sustainable for people and the planet.

dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the SIX Swiss Exchange.

Following the divestment of Animal Nutrition & Health, the company has operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €9 billion from continuing operations.

With a global team of nearly 21,000 employees, dsm-firmenich says it brings progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people. 

SOURCE: dsm-firmenich