Barentz names Cagdas Cagri as VP Performance Materials EMEA
The move reflects Barentz’s strategy of combining local entrepreneurship with regional oversight to support long-term growth across its EMEA business lines.
EMEA – Barentz has appointed Cagdas Cagri Vice President of Performance Materials for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, strengthening leadership in its speciality ingredients distribution business.
In addition, Cagri will continue to serve as Managing Director and Country Manager for Barentz Türkiye.
In his expanded capacity, he will oversee the division’s growth strategy, customer and principal relationships, and technical service offerings throughout the region, while maintaining his country-level responsibilities in Türkiye.
The appointment, effective 1 August 2026, is part of a broader leadership reshuffle to reinforce regional expertise and ensure continuity across the company’s EMEA operations.
The change comes as Oliver Fox concluded his tenure with Barentz on 31 July 2026, stepping down from his dual roles as Managing Director and Country Manager of Barentz Italia and VP Performance Materials EMEA after more than two decades with the company.
During his time, Fox was instrumental in scaling Barentz’s Italian operations from a start-up into an established speciality distribution player, supported by acquisitions and a strong local team.
Cagri’s elevation to VP Performance Materials EMEA ensures that the division retains experienced leadership familiar with both the Turkish market and the wider EMEA landscape.
Cagri brings over 20 years of experience in speciality chemicals distribution, including extensive leadership roles, which Barentz says will underpin the continued development of its Performance Materials Division across EMEA.
Sertac Surur, President of Barentz EMEA, described Cagri as an experienced leader with strong market knowledge and a deep understanding of customers, principals and internal teams, noting that his expanded role would strengthen the company’s leadership platform in Performance Materials.
The appointment is announced alongside Roberto Villa’s promotion to Managing Director and Country Manager of Barentz Italia, in addition to his existing role as VP Animal Nutrition EMEA, underscoring Barentz’s focus on developing internal talent and maintaining business continuity.
The company frames the changes as part of its ongoing commitment to building strong regional leadership capable of delivering tailored solutions to customers and principals in the speciality ingredients market.
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