Alexander Wessels to lead Archroma as CEO

To be combined into a single entity at close, Archroma will continue to deliver specialized performance and color solutions to the textile, paper, adhesives, coatings and construction industries. The three businesses were acquired by SK Capital Partners, a U.S. based private investment firm with a disciplined focus on the specialty materials, chemicals and healthcare sectors.

To be led by CEO Alexander Wessels, the newly recruited senior leadership team will seek to generate a renewed sense of purpose and vision, and will work closely with the current heads of the three businesses acquired from Clariant, whose unique understanding of their markets and customers has advanced the strategic positioning of Archroma.

“We’re open for business with a new name and a financially strong and knowledgeable parent who believes in our technology, brand and leading market positions,” says new CEO Alexander Wessels. “I’m proud to join a company with a 120-year long history of providing a portfolio of world-class products and driven by a team of highly talented people who bring fresh thinking and ideas to an industry hungry for innovation.”

“The transaction closing comes after a thorough preparation to ensure a seamless transition of the businesses from Clariant to new ownership. In addition, we believe that realigning the three businesses into a single integrated, market-focused and dynamic company will benefit both our employees and our customers.”

Wessels added, “With SK Capital, we strengthen our business and further improve our offering to our customers. We have all the right cards in our hand. We know who we are and what we offer to our customers – innovation, performance, technical expertise, quality, reliability, a global footprint and a commitment to sustainability."

Archroma will be headquartered in Switzerland along with the management team of Archroma’s Paper Solutions Business. The Textile Specialties Business will be managed from Singapore and the Emulsion Products Business from Brazil.

The company has a new name and new ownership, yet one thing that has not changed is the passion and commitment to excellence.