Carsten Knobel to become Henkel's CEO

Henkel announced that the company's current Chief Executive Officer Hans Van Bylen will step down from the role for personal reasons. Bylen had held significant positions within the company for approximately 35 years. Having served on the Board of Management for roughly 15 years, Bylen had been CEO for the past 4 years. Carsten Knobel will assume the CEO position from Hans Van Bylen, effective 1 January 2020. Carsten Knobel has been with Henkel since 1995. Serving on the Board of Management since 2012, Knobel also leads in Finance, Procurement and Integrated Business Solutions. The successor to the CFO position will be announced at a later date. In his statement, Hans Van Bylen said: "After approximately 35 years with Henkel, and with my contract coming to an end next year, I have decided that it is time for a change at the highest level of the company. For personal reasons, I have also decided to step down from my position as Chairman of the Board of Management. I thank all employees and all my colleagues on the Board of Management for the loyalty and dedication they have shown over the years, and I extend my appreciation to all members serving on our audit committees for their support and recommendations," expressing his feelings. Bylen concluded his remarks by saying: "At the same time, I am pleased that our Board of Management has selected Carsten Knobel from within our ranks to continue as CEO following my tenure. I am confident that under his leadership, Henkel will continue to advance successfully." Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah, Chairwoman of the Shareholders' Committee and Audit Board, thanked Hans Van Bylen on behalf of the committees and the Henkel family for his services to the company and said: "Hans Van Bylen has made significant contributions to our company's successful development over the years and has actively developed numerous senior leaders."

Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah continued: "Under Hans Van Bylen's leadership, all our business units have been strengthened as a result of acquisitions and partnerships. The acquisition of Sun Products significantly enhanced our Laundry and Home Care business unit's market position in the United States, our largest market globally.

Acquisitions have also taken place in our Adhesive Technologies and Beauty Care business units. Hans Van Bylen placed particular emphasis on the company's digitalization across all areas and pursued this objective with great determination. We extend our sincere thanks for the important direction he set for the company during his tenure as CEO and for his 35 years of continued commitment to Henkel," he concluded. Hans Van Bylen, 58, began his professional career at Henkel in 1984. Having been a member of Henkel's Board of Management since 2005, Van Bylen first took responsibility for the Beauty Care business unit, and in early 2016 began serving as Chairman of the Board of Management. Since 2018, Hans Van Bylen has served as President of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) and Vice President of the Federation of German Industries (BDI). In addition, he holds a position on the Board of Management of the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF). Commenting on the matter, Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah said: "We have appointed an excellent candidate from within the company, Carsten Knobel, to assume the role. In addition to his extensive knowledge of Henkel, he brings years of international management and leadership experience. Beyond the respect he enjoys among his colleagues on the Board of Management and our employees, he also maintains a strong reputation in the capital markets. As the Board of Management, we are confident that he will continue to advance our company's development with strong momentum. On behalf of all Henkel committees and employees, I wish him success for the future," he stated.

Born in Marburg in 1969, Carsten Knobel studied business administration and technical chemistry at the Technical University of Berlin. Knobel began his career at Henkel in 1995 as assistant to the Board of Management member responsible for research and development.

He subsequently held various positions within the Beauty Care business unit with increasing responsibilities in controlling, mergers & acquisitions and operational areas. Following management positions in Corporate Strategy and Controlling and a role as Financial Director within the Beauty Care business unit, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer in 2012. He is also a member of the Supervisory Board of Lufthansa and Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Fortuna Düsseldorf, the football club competing in Germany's top league (Bundesliga). Carsten Knobel is married and has two children. Carsten Knobel stated: "I am grateful for the confidence expressed through this appointment. I look forward to working together with my colleagues on the Board of Management and our global team to shape Henkel's future. We have the capabilities to achieve sustainable profitable growth at a higher level within dynamic market conditions, supported by our excellent employees, our leading brands and technologies, and our exciting innovations," he said.