Christian Kullmann to lead Evonik until 2030 as Michael Rauch joins as CFO
These Supervisory Board decisions aim to ensure stability and drive the company’s sustainability-focused growth strategies.
GERMANY – Evonik Industries has extended CEO Christian Kullmann’s contract through 2030, signalling strengthened leadership amid volatile markets.
Christian Kullmann, with Evonik since 2003 and CEO since May 2017, will continue leading the speciality chemicals firm until 2030.
The extension, approved at an extraordinary meeting on April 16, 2026, and formalized at the June 3 Annual General Meeting, underscores confidence in his navigation of industry challenges.
Alexander Bercht, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board, “I know and appreciate Christian Kullmann as a tough and open negotiating partner,”
“We don’t agree on all issues, but once we have agreed, you can fully rely on him. He is politically experienced and always open to debate, which is worth a lot, especially in these times.”
At the same time, Michael Rauch joins Evonik as CFO starting May 1, 2026, bringing 16 years of chemical industry experience from Henkel in strategy and finance roles across Germany, Sweden, and China.
His recent roles include interim CEO at Selecta AG, CFO and CEO at CompuGroup Medical for five years, and CFO at perfumery retailer Douglas for two years, plus an MBA and capital markets expertise.
Tönjes highlighted Rauch’s transformation experience to build “resilient financial management” in volatile conditions, succeeding interim CFO Kullmann and outgoing operational head Dr. Claus Rettig, who returns to Asia-Pacific leadership.
These changes reinforce Evonik’s focus on long-term goals, including investments of over €3 billion (USD 3.51 billion) by 2030 in “Next Generation Solutions” with sustainability benefits.
Kullmann’s tenure has integrated sustainability into portfolio management and innovation, aligning with “Leading Beyond Chemistry” to meet growing demand for high-performance, green beauty solutions.
Rettig will refocus on leading the Asia-Pacific region.
Rauch plans to meet shareholders personally at the Annual General Meeting.
For the personal care sector, where Evonik provides biotech-driven ingredients like glycolipid biosurfactants, for example, RHEANCE® One for eco-friendly skin care and cleansing, stable leadership supports innovation amid market expansions in Africa and the Middle East.
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