Mitsubishi Chemical Appoints Chikumoto as CEO

Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG) has appointed Manabu Chikumoto as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2024. He succeeds Jean-Marc Gilson, who assumed the role of President and CEO of MCG in April 2021.

Under the "Forging the Future" management policy announced in December 2021, Gilson has been striving to achieve the goals of growth and operational excellence through the implementation of global management practices, refined marketing practices, cost structure reforms, strict working capital management, etc. and improved MCG's profitability in a challenging business environment.

However, MCG currently faces key management issues such as carbon neutrality and circular economy initiatives, industry restructuring of Japan's petrochemicals business, growth in its specialty materials business and further portfolio reforms. In recognition of these current issues, MCG has decided to appoint Manabu Chikumoto as the next President and CEO, who has deep business expertise and extensive experience in the chemical industry in Japan and elsewhere.

By directly solving these management issues, he can take the lead in formulating and implementing growth strategies and enhance MCG's corporate value.

Mr. Chikumoto joined Mitsubishi Chemical Industries Co., Ltd. in April 1988 and has since held various positions at the company. Currently, he is the Executive Vice President and Head of Basic Materials of Mitsubishi Chemical Group.