Archroma announces leadership and organizational changes

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, has announced that Rajiv Sharma has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with key responsibility for the Textile Effects business, effective October 1, 2024. Current Group CEO Mark Garrett will transition to the Archroma Board of Directors.

Miguel Kohlmann, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Archroma, said: “We would like to thank Mark for his strategic leadership throughout a period of transformation and for enhancing the company’s growth trajectory. Mark brings a great deal of expertise and experience to the Board and joins us in welcoming Rajiv Sharma. In Rajiv, we have an inspiring global leader with proven experience in delivering long-term growth.”

“It has been an honor to lead Archroma at such an exciting time, as the company has delivered substantial growth in sales and profitability and successfully integrated the Huntsman Textile Effects business. We have become the clear market leader, with the most comprehensive set of solutions to support our customers in helping reshape our industry for a more sustainable future,” Mr. Garrett said. “Rajiv is a proven visionary with a track record of generating global growth through sustainability, innovation and sound financial management. He is the ideal leader for a forward-looking company with roots that go back more than two-and-a-half centuries.”

Rajiv Sharma comes to Archroma following a 14-year tenure with Coats Group plc (LSE: COA.L), where he was Group Chief Executive for the last eight years. As head of the UK-listed company, which is the world leader in thread manufacturing and structural components for apparel and footwear, Mr. Sharma created a platform for profitable growth and shaped a company culture based on customer centricity, innovation, digitalization and sustainability.

“I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to lead this dynamic business at a pivotal time of transformation,” Mr. Sharma said. “We have an incredible opportunity to support the textile and apparel industry on a sustainability journey that will redefine what’s possible and touch the lives of people all around world.”

Barry Siadat, Archroma Board member and co-Founder of SK Capital Partners, said: “Rajiv brings an ideal set of experience which will support Archroma as it continues to play a key role as the global leader in color and specialty textile chemicals with the industry’s broadest product portfolio and expertise in manufacturing, research and technology, operations and technical customer support that spans the globe. In addition to welcoming Rajiv, we wholeheartedly thank Mark Garrett for the instrumental role he played in serving the company by executing Archroma’s successful acquisition and integration of Huntsman Textile Effects and for delivering substantial growth for Archroma. We are also grateful for his ongoing service as an active Board Member.”

In parallel with these leadership changes, Archroma’s Packaging Technologies business will be established as a focused business activity from October 1, 2024, with the aim of increasing its focus on the packaging business and accelerating its development. It will continue under the proven leadership of its CEO, Sameer Singla, who will report directly to the Archroma Board of Directors. Packaging Technologies has also delivered substantial growth with more dedicated leadership over the past two years and the organizational changes will help both Textile Effects and Packaging Technologies continue to focus on best serving their respective customers and markets.