Evonik appoints new head for its Taiwan business

Effective July 1, 2020, Wei Kiat Tan will succeed Thomas Zechel as the President of Evonik Taiwan and also assumes the position as Head of Specialty Additives division Asia Pacific. Tan will also be a member of the Evonik Asia Pacific Management Team.

"Having Wei Kiat in the new role is yet another step for Evonik to further localize in Taiwan, a steadily growing market with high innovation potential in several areas of interest to Evonik. Wei Kiat has more than 14 years of experience in Evonik in various commercial, strategy and regional management roles. I am fully convinced that under his leadership he will bring our business in Taiwan to a new level," said Christian Kullmann, Chairman of Evonik’s Executive Board. “The Board also highly appreciates Thomas Zechel’s contribution in developing the business in Taiwan over the recent years.”

"I am privileged to be appointed as the President of Evonik Taiwan to lead a very motivated and creative team. “said Tan. "Taiwan is well positioned as a gateway to the rapidly growing Asian markets. We offer solutions in Taiwan to contribute to the business success of our customers locally and beyond, and to improve life day by day. Through Evonik Taiwan, we bring together our global competencies to our business partners. With their trust, we work together to realize new opportunities and become even more resilient in a profoundly changing business environment. “

Tan holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the National University of Singapore. He joined Evonik Oil Additives in 2006 and was subsequently responsible for the management of the business in Asia from 2014 to 2018. In the past two years he was based in Germany and was responsible for various strategic projects in Evonik.

Prior to working for Evonik, Tan worked in the Singapore Economic Development Board, the lead government agency for industry development and promotion.

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €13.1 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.15 billion in 2019. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable and sustainable solutions for customers. More than 32,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life, day by day.

Asia Pacific is a strong driving force of the global economy and an important source of innovation. Consequently Evonik endeavors to further grow its business in the region. Sales reached €2.87 billion in 2019 and the company employs over 5,000 people at more than 50 production sites in Asia Pacific. In Taiwan, we now employ over 200 employees which including 1 office based in Taipei and 1 production site based in Taoyuan.

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.