At Gummiwerk Kraiburg, Dr. Frieder Vielsack has taken over as head of the Research and Development department effective September 1, 2021. In his new position, he is responsible for leading the department with a focus on further expanding Gummiwerk Kraiburg's strength in developing customer-specific material solutions and innovative products for new fields of application.

Rubber Division, ACS annually honors outstanding elastomer experts with the prestigious Science & Technology Awards. Among these awards is the Chemistry of Thermoplastic Elastomers Award.

Effective from 18 October 2021, Patrice Pinsard has been appointed EVP Strategic Markets & Innovation at Perstorp. In his new role, Pinsard will drive value creation and growth of Perstorp’s portfolio of speciality chemicals, with emphasis on the focus segments Resins & Coatings and Engineered Fluids.

Sergej Lazovic has been appointed as Managing Director of Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH alongside Peter Wilkes with effect from 1 October 2021. Together, the two Managing Directors will be responsible for the ongoing strategic development of the Biesterfeld subsidiary's global business.

Emilio López has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Engel de Mexico SA de CV. He succeeds Peter Auinger, who retired on 1 September 2021.

Thad Ewald has been hired as vice president, Strategy and Business Development, of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company reporting to Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Darren Wells, effective 23 August 2021.

In July 2021 Covestro has extensively realigned its organizational structure. The former three segments Polyurethanes (PUR), Polycarbonates (PCS), and Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties (CAS) have been restructured to form seven new entities. TPE Magazine had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Andrea Maier-Richter, the new Head of Covestro’s Business Unit Thermoplastic Polyurethanes, about these new developments.

During its members meeting of 2 June 2021, the Pultrusion Technology Association (EPTA) elected a new board. All EPTA board members who stood for re-election have been confirmed again.

Mathias Miedreich has been appointed by Umicore’s Supervisory Board to succeed Marc Grynberg as CEO of the group in the fourth quarter of 2021. Marc Grynberg and Mathias Miedreich will work together to ensure an optimal onboarding and a smooth transition of leadership.

Black Bear has appointed Victor Vreeken as CEO, who started effective 13 August 2021 as successor to Silvio Ghyoot who decided to leave Black Bear to pursue opportunities outside the company.