Announces dsm-firmenich Board’s Proposal of Richard Ridinger as New Chairman Following Thomas Leysen’s Retirement
dsm-firmenich, a global innovator in nutrition, health and beauty, has announced an upcoming change in the leadership of its Board of Directors, with current Chairman Thomas Leysen confirming his decision to retire from the Board. The company said the transition comes at an important stage in its development, as the integration following the merger is now fully established and the company’s strategic direction is firmly in place.
Leysen will continue to serve as Director and Chair until shareholders have elected his successor. Following that appointment, he will step down from both positions, enabling him to dedicate more time to his other corporate and non-profit responsibilities. The transition is designed to provide an orderly handover while maintaining continuity in dsm-firmenich’s governance and strategic execution.
The Board of Directors has unanimously proposed Richard Ridinger, currently serving as an independent director of dsm-firmenich, as Leysen’s successor. Shareholders will be invited to vote on Ridinger’s appointment at an Extraordinary General Shareholders Meeting (EGM), scheduled to take place on October 19, 2026.
Ridinger brings extensive international leadership experience from innovation-driven businesses operating across several major industries, including pharmaceuticals, home and personal care, and nutrition and health. His broad executive background, combined with his experience at board level, is expected to support dsm-firmenich as the company enters its next phase of development.
His existing knowledge of dsm-firmenich is also viewed as an important advantage. Having already served as an independent director, Ridinger has gained a detailed understanding of the company, its operations, strategic priorities and transformation following the merger. The Board believes this familiarity will help ensure a smooth leadership transition and continued focus on long-term value creation.
The proposed change in Chairmanship comes as dsm-firmenich continues implementing the strategic priorities outlined during its Capital Markets Day earlier this year. The company has been working to strengthen its portfolio, improve operational performance and position its businesses for sustainable growth. According to the company, several key elements of this transformation are now progressing well, creating what it considers an appropriate moment for a leadership transition at the Board level.
Among the developments highlighted by Leysen is the company’s portfolio optimization program. The sale of the Animal Nutrition & Health (ANH) business is expected to close later this year, marking an important step in the company’s efforts to refine its portfolio and concentrate resources on areas where it sees attractive long-term opportunities.
At the same time, dsm-firmenich has been strengthening its executive leadership team, with a rejuvenated Executive Committee supporting the company’s strategic agenda. The organization is also advancing its margin improvement program, which is intended to enhance efficiency and profitability while creating a stronger foundation for future growth.
Against this backdrop, Leysen said the company has reached a point where transferring the Chairmanship to a new leader represents a timely and natural next step.
“With dsm-firmenich now fully operating as one company, the portfolio tuning nearing completion with the closing of the ANH sale foreseen later this year, the Executive Committee rejuvenated and the margin improvement program well underway, it is an opportune moment to hand over to a new Chair,” Leysen said.
He also expressed confidence in Ridinger’s ability to guide the company through its next stage. Leysen noted that Ridinger has the experience required to help dsm-firmenich advance its strategy and build on the foundation established since the creation of the combined company.
Reflecting on his own tenure, Leysen described his time as Chairman as both a privilege and an important period in the development of dsm-firmenich. His leadership has covered the company’s formative stages following the merger, including a period characterized by significant organizational change, complex market conditions and the need to establish a unified strategic direction.
The Board credited Leysen with helping shape what it described as a strong and resilient organization. His guidance during the company’s creation and subsequent development has been considered instrumental in establishing the governance, strategic focus and organizational foundation needed for dsm-firmenich’s future.
The Board expressed its appreciation for Leysen’s contribution and leadership, particularly during a period in which the company was integrating businesses, aligning operations and establishing its position as a global player in nutrition, health and beauty.
Ridinger has welcomed the Board’s nomination and said he is honored by the confidence placed in him. He also emphasized the progress dsm-firmenich has made in recent years and its strong foundation for the future.
“dsm-firmenich has come a long way in recent years and today stands on a strong foundation for the future,” Ridinger said. “I am deeply honored by the Board’s trust, and I look forward to shaping the Company’s next chapter together with the Board and the Executive Committee.”
If shareholders approve his appointment at the October 19 EGM, Ridinger will take on the role of Chairman following Leysen’s departure. His appointment would allow dsm-firmenich to maintain continuity in its governance while bringing fresh leadership to the Board as the company moves beyond its merger and transformation phase.
The proposed succession also reflects dsm-firmenich’s broader focus on executing its strategy and creating sustainable value for shareholders and other stakeholders. With portfolio changes nearing completion, operational improvement initiatives underway and its leadership structure evolving, the company is preparing for the next stage of its growth journey.
For dsm-firmenich, the transition marks both the conclusion of an important chapter and the beginning of another. Leysen’s tenure has been closely associated with the company’s formation and early development, while Ridinger’s proposed appointment is intended to provide experienced leadership as the organization focuses increasingly on execution, performance improvement and long-term growth.
The final decision will rest with shareholders at the Extraordinary General Shareholders Meeting in October. Until the successor is elected, Leysen will remain in his current positions, ensuring continuity during the transition and supporting an orderly handover of responsibilities to the incoming Chair.
Source Link:https://our-company.dsm-firmenich.com/
