Hempel is pleased to welcome Emilie Barriau as the chief technology officer, a new position in the executive group management team. This appointment aligns with Hempel’s Double Impact strategy, which emphasizes the importance of innovation in the organization. The new technology executive vice president role will oversee R&D, procurement, and sustainability within the company.
Barriau brings with her 15 years of international experience in senior innovation roles at Henkel Adhesives Technologies and Ecolab. Her background in serving industries such as transport, metals, and electronics on a global scale has prepared her for this new role at Hempel.
Michael Hansen, the group president and CEO, emphasized the significance of this appointment in driving innovation and sustainability within the organization. Elevating innovation to the executive leadership level underscores Hempel’s commitment to delivering value to customers through creative thinking and groundbreaking ideas.
Hansen expressed his excitement about Barriau joining the team and highlighted her ability to connect with others, strong business acumen, and customer-centric focus. Barriau, in turn, expressed her enthusiasm for leading innovation efforts at Hempel and working towards impactful sustainable solutions alongside customers, suppliers, and partners.
Barriau believes that Hempel has the potential to create greater value and lead with differentiated technologies in the coatings industry. By uniting R&D, sustainability, and procurement functions, she aims to accelerate the company’s path to sustainability and innovation, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable world.