Brenntag appoints Jens Birgersson as new CEO  

GERMANY – Brenntag SE, a global leader in chemical and ingredient distribution, has announced the appointment of Jens Birgersson as its next Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Management Board, effective September 1, 2025. 

Birgersson will succeed Christian Kohlpaintner, who had previously announced his decision not to renew his contract in November 2024.  

Kohlpaintner will officially step down from his role on August 31, 2025. 

The announcement was made by Richard Ridinger, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Brenntag SE, who praised the incoming CEO’s extensive leadership background.  

“With Jens Birgersson, we have been able to appoint an internationally very experienced business leader. In combination with his operational excellence orientation, he brings all the skills needed to steer Brenntag’s further growth path and strategic development,” said Ridinger. 

Birgersson, a Swedish national born in 1967, brings over two decades of executive experience in leading international, listed companies across different industries.  

Most recently, he served as President and CEO of Rockwool Group in Denmark from 2015 to 2024, overseeing the world’s largest manufacturer of insulation materials made from stone wool. 

Earlier in his career, Birgersson spent more than 20 years at ABB Group, a global technology leader in electrification and automation, holding roles in Switzerland, Sweden, and South Africa, including Senior Vice President and Head of Business Unit Network Management.  

He also worked as Executive Vice President and Head of Business Group Performance Minerals & Pigments at Imerys, a Belgium-based global provider of mineral-based specialities. 

Strong Q1 2025 

Birgersson’s appointment comes as Brenntag navigates an increasingly volatile global economic landscape. The company continues to execute its growth and transformation strategy despite external challenges. 

In the first quarter of 2025, Brenntag reported a 2.1% year-on-year increase in operating gross profit, reaching EUR 1,019.5 million (US$1.15B).  

The Brenntag Essentials division saw operating gross profit rise 3.0% to EUR 724.5 million (US$821.4M), while Brenntag Specialties achieved a 0.1% increase to EUR 295.0 million (US$334.5M), maintaining stability compared to the prior year. 

Both segments benefited from strategic, commercial, and operational initiatives. In light of these results, Brenntag has maintained its 2025 full-year operating EBITA guidance in the range of EUR 1.1 billion (US$1.25B) to EUR 1.3 billion (US$1.5B).

Subscribe to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa, Middle East and around the world. SUBSCRIBE HERE