LANXESS Chief Financial Officer term extension for Oliver Stratmann

Specialty chemicals company LANXESS has renewed its confidence in its finance leadership by extending the mandate of its current chief financial officer. The LANXESS Chief Financial Officer term extension keeps Oliver Stratmann on the Board of Management for an additional five years, providing continuity at a time of pressure across the global chemicals sector.

The Supervisory Board has reappointed Stratmann as a member of the Board of Management and extended his contract as CFO. The new term begins on 1 September 2026 and follows directly after the conclusion of his initial three year mandate, ensuring there is no gap in leadership.

Supervisory Board Chairman Rainier van Roessel said Stratmann is doing an excellent job in the finance role in what he described as challenging times for the business and the wider industry. He noted that solid and forward looking financial planning is particularly important in the current environment and that Stratmann’s deep knowledge of financial markets is a major asset.

As CFO, Stratmann is responsible for managing financial strategy, liquidity and risk for LANXESS while supporting investment and restructuring decisions. His work includes maintaining access to capital markets, managing the company’s balance sheet and ensuring that financial planning is aligned with strategic priorities.

CEO Matthias Zachert welcomed the Supervisory Board’s decision, saying he is pleased that Stratmann will continue as part of the Executive Board team. He emphasised that the CFO’s expertise will be important as the group navigates a crisis that is affecting the entire chemical industry, with issues ranging from demand volatility to cost pressures.

The comments from both the Supervisory Board and the CEO underline a shared view that stability in financial leadership is essential as the company responds to global headwinds.

For investors and employees, the extension signals continuity in how LANXESS approaches financial discipline and long term planning. Keeping the same CFO in place beyond the initial term reduces uncertainty around capital allocation, debt management and investment priorities.

At an industry level, chemical companies are dealing with cyclical downturns, shifting customer demand and evolving regulatory expectations. In such conditions, boards often look for finance leaders who can balance defensive measures with selective growth investments.

By confirming Stratmann for another five year term starting in 2026, LANXESS is indicating that it sees his approach as suited to steering the company through this period. The decision suggests an ongoing focus on prudent financial management combined with the flexibility needed to respond to market changes and emerging opportunities.

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