Dr. Christian Kohlpaintner holds a PhD in chemistry from the Technical University of Munich and has more than three decades of leadership experience in the global chemical industry. Shaped by international assignments in the United States, Europe, and China – including roles at Hoechst, Celanese, and on the executive committee of Clariant SE –, he brings a broad range of experience spanning research and innovation through to leading complex business units.

As Chairman of the Executive Board of Brenntag SE (2020–2025), he drove far-reaching transformation programs that aligned business models and organizational structures closely with evolving market and customer needs, while keeping culture, values, and the employee perspective at the center of his leadership approach. Previously, he served as a member of the Executive Committee of Clariant SE (2009–2019) and as Chief Executive/Speaker of the Management Board of Chemische Fabrik Budenheim (2003–2009).

He currently serves on the Supervisory Board of Evonik Industries (since 2023) and Biesterfeld SE (since 2026) and is an internationally sought-after voice on the future of the chemical industry, large-scale transformation, modern corporate leadership, and values-based leadership in global organizations.