dsm-firmenich nominates Independent Director Richard Ridinger as next Board Chair

SWITZERLAND – dsm-firmenich board has proposed Richard Ridinger, currently an independent director of the company, to succeed Thomas Leysen as Chair of the Board of Directors. 

Leysen has decided to retire from the Board now that the merger is fully completed and the company’s strategic direction has been established. 

He will step down from his roles as Director and Chair once shareholders elect his successor, enabling him to devote more time to his other corporate and non-profit commitments.

Ridinger brings extensive executive and board-level experience in global, innovation-led businesses across the pharmaceutical, home and personal care, and nutrition and health sectors. 

His deep understanding of dsm-firmenich positions him well to succeed Leysen and provide continuity as the company executes its strategy and creates long-term value for shareholders and other stakeholders, as communicated earlier this year at the company’s Capital Markets Day.

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

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

His leadership has been instrumental in positioning dsm-firmenich for its next chapter of growth and value creation.

Ridinger is a German national, an independent director, and a member of dsm-firmenich’s Nomination and Governance Committee. His most recent executive position was CEO of Lonza. 

He also serves as Chair of the Supervisory Board of publicly listed Brenntag SE, Chair of the Board of privately held Recipharm AG, and a member of the Advisory Group of NOVO Holdings.

Ridinger has been an independent member of dsm-firmenich’s Board of Directors 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.

With more than three decades of international leadership experience across the life sciences, specialty chemicals, and healthcare sectors, Ridinger served as Chief Executive Officer of Lonza from 2012 to 2019, leading 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. 

His extensive boardroom experience, deep knowledge of dsm-firmenich, and strong track record of leading global organizations provide valuable expertise in governance, strategy, innovation, and long-term value creation.

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