Evonik Supervisory Board Approves Executive Changes, Extends Kullmann’s Term to 2030

The Supervisory Board of Evonik Industries recently made two important executive decisions at a special meeting: to extend the term of CEO Christian Kullmann until 2030 and to appoint Michael Rauch as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. Both decisions were approved unanimously by the Supervisory Board.

CEO term extended to 2030

Christian Kullmann joined Evonik in 2003, became Chief Strategy Officer in 2014, and has served as CEO since May 2017. According to the announcement, Evonik’s Supervisory Board will formally sign Kullmann’s contract extension at its regular meeting on June 3, the same day as the company’s Annual General Meeting.

Evonik Supervisory Board Chairman Bernd Tönjes said: “In today’s challenging environment, Christian Kullmann represents the stability and continuity the Group needs. Over the past several years, he has successfully guided Evonik through a complex and volatile business environment. The Supervisory Board looks forward to the Executive Board continuing to push ahead firmly with the company’s established strategy so that Evonik remains competitive in the long term.”

Supervisory Board Vice Chairman Alexander Bercht added: “I have always seen Christian Kullmann as a determined and candid partner. Even when we have not fully agreed on every issue, once a consensus has been reached, his ability to execute can be fully trusted. He has deep experience in political and policy matters and remains open in discussion, which is especially important under current circumstances.”

Background of the new CFO

Incoming CFO Michael Rauch previously spent 16 years at Henkel, where he held a number of strategic and financial management roles in Germany, Sweden, and China, giving him a broad understanding of the chemical industry. He also brings capital markets experience and served as interim CEO of Swiss vending operator Selecta AG. Before that, he spent five years at German medical IT company CompuGroup Medical, first as CFO and later as CEO. Rauch also served for two years as CFO of fragrance and beauty retailer Douglas, and he holds an MBA degree.

Bernd Tönjes said: “Evonik has found in Michael Rauch a CFO with extensive experience in corporate transformation. We are confident that, with his broad capabilities, he will further strengthen Evonik’s resilience in a highly volatile market environment through robust financial management.”

Transition arrangements and role adjustments

Since September 2025, Christian Kullmann has also been acting in the CFO role on an interim basis. He said: “Through several personal discussions, Michael Rauch made a very positive impression on me. We are currently facing multiple challenges and need an experienced manager with strong crisis-management capabilities. At the same time, I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Claus Rettig for taking responsibility for and advancing the day-to-day management of the finance department since last September.”

According to the arrangement, Dr. Claus Rettig will return to focusing fully on his responsibilities as head of the Asia-Pacific region. Michael Rauch will officially join Evonik on May 1 and will be formally introduced to shareholders at the company’s Annual General Meeting.