Clariant Announces Proposed Changes to Its Board of Directors

Clariant, a globally recognized specialty chemicals company, has announced an important step in its corporate governance strategy with the proposal to elect two highly experienced leaders, Regula Wallimann and Albert Manifold, to its Board of Directors. This proposal reflects Clariant’s continued commitment to strong leadership, transparency, and long-term sustainable growth.

The announcement was made public ahead of Clariant’s upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), where shareholders will be asked to vote on the proposed elections. If approved, these appointments are expected to further enhance the strategic, operational, and governance expertise of the Board, supporting the company’s ambitions in innovation, sustainability, and value creation.

Background: Clariant’s Focus on Governance and Sustainability

Clariant has long emphasized the importance of sound corporate governance as a foundation for trust among shareholders, employees, customers, and partners. Operating in a complex and competitive global chemicals market, the company continuously reviews the composition of its Board of Directors to ensure it reflects the skills, experience, and diversity needed to guide the business effectively.

The proposed election of Regula Wallimann and Albert Manifold aligns with this philosophy. Both candidates bring extensive international leadership experience, deep industry knowledge, and proven track records in navigating transformation, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Proposed Candidate: Regula Wallimann

Professional Background and Experience

Regula Wallimann is a seasoned executive with significant experience in finance, governance, and strategic leadership. Over the course of her career, she has held senior positions across various industries, gaining a reputation for her analytical approach, financial expertise, and commitment to responsible business practices.

Her background includes leadership roles in complex international organizations, where she has been involved in overseeing financial strategy, risk management, and compliance. This experience positions her well to contribute meaningfully to Clariant’s Board discussions, particularly in areas related to financial oversight and governance.

Contribution to Clariant’s Board

If elected, Regula Wallimann is expected to strengthen the Board’s capabilities in financial governance and strategic decision-making. Her expertise will support Clariant as it continues to optimize its portfolio, invest in innovation, and pursue disciplined capital allocation.

In addition, her experience working with diverse stakeholders will be valuable as Clariant navigates evolving regulatory environments and increasing expectations around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.

Proposed Candidate: Albert Manifold

Professional Background and Leadership Profile

Albert Manifold is widely recognized as an accomplished executive with extensive experience in the global chemicals and materials sector. He has served in senior leadership roles at major multinational companies, where he led large-scale operations, drove strategic transformation, and delivered long-term shareholder value.

Throughout his career, Albert Manifold has been known for his focus on operational excellence, customer-centric strategies, and sustainability-driven growth. His leadership experience spans multiple regions and markets, providing him with a deep understanding of global business dynamics.

Strategic Value for Clariant

Albert Manifold’s potential election to the Board is seen as a significant asset for Clariant. His industry knowledge and experience in managing complex global organizations will support the company as it continues to execute its strategy in specialty chemicals.

In particular, his insights into operational efficiency, innovation pipelines, and sustainability initiatives are expected to complement Clariant’s existing Board expertise. This combination will help the company remain competitive while addressing long-term challenges such as energy transition, climate change, and shifting customer demands.

Board Renewal and Succession Planning

The proposal to elect Regula Wallimann and Albert Manifold is part of Clariant’s broader approach to Board renewal and succession planning. Regular refreshment of the Board ensures a balance between continuity and new perspectives, which is essential for effective oversight and strategic guidance.

Clariant’s Board of Directors evaluates its composition on an ongoing basis, taking into account factors such as independence, diversity, skills, and experience. The proposed candidates were selected following a thorough assessment process designed to identify individuals who can contribute to the company’s long-term success.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are increasingly recognized as critical components of strong governance. By proposing the election of Regula Wallimann, Clariant continues to demonstrate its commitment to gender diversity at the highest levels of leadership.

A diverse Board brings a wider range of perspectives, improves decision-making, and enhances the company’s ability to respond to complex challenges. Clariant views diversity not only as a social responsibility but also as a strategic advantage in a global marketplace.

Role of the Board in Clariant’s Strategy

The Board of Directors plays a central role in shaping and overseeing Clariant’s corporate strategy. This includes setting long-term objectives, monitoring performance, and ensuring that management acts in the best interests of shareholders and other stakeholders.

With the proposed addition of Regula Wallimann and Albert Manifold, the Board will be better positioned to guide Clariant through its next phase of development. Their combined experience will support strategic priorities such as portfolio optimization, innovation leadership, and sustainability-driven growth.

Focus on Sustainability and ESG

Sustainability is a core pillar of Clariant’s business strategy. The company aims to create value through sustainable solutions that address global challenges while delivering economic performance.

Both proposed Board candidates have demonstrated strong commitment to ESG principles in their previous roles. Their perspectives will be valuable as Clariant continues to integrate sustainability into its operations, products, and governance framework.

Shareholder Engagement and Approval Process

The proposed elections will be presented to shareholders at Clariant’s Annual General Meeting. Shareholders will have the opportunity to review the candidates’ profiles, assess their qualifications, and vote on their election to the Board.

Clariant places great importance on transparent communication with its shareholders and encourages active participation in the AGM. The company believes that strong shareholder engagement contributes to better governance and long-term value creation.

Continuity and Stability of Leadership

While welcoming new perspectives, Clariant also values continuity and stability in its leadership structure. The proposed Board changes are designed to complement the existing strengths of the Board, ensuring a smooth transition and effective collaboration.

The combination of experienced existing directors and newly proposed members will help maintain institutional knowledge while fostering innovation and forward-looking thinking.

Market Context and Industry Challenges

The specialty chemicals industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by technological innovation, sustainability requirements, and evolving customer expectations. Companies like Clariant must continuously adapt to remain competitive.

Strong Board leadership is essential in navigating these challenges. The proposed election of Regula Wallimann and Albert Manifold reflects Clariant’s proactive approach to ensuring its governance structure is fit for purpose in a rapidly changing environment.

Long-Term Vision and Value Creation

Clariant’s long-term vision is focused on creating sustainable value for all stakeholders. This includes delivering attractive returns for shareholders, providing innovative solutions for customers, and contributing positively to society and the environment.

The Board of Directors plays a critical role in overseeing this vision and ensuring that strategic decisions align with the company’s values and objectives. The proposed new Board members are expected to support this mission through their experience and leadership.

Conclusion

The proposal to elect Regula Wallimann and Albert Manifold to Clariant’s Board of Directors represents an important step in the company’s ongoing commitment to strong governance, strategic leadership, and sustainable growth.

With their extensive experience, industry knowledge, and commitment to ESG principles, both candidates are well positioned to contribute positively to the Board’s work. Subject to shareholder approval, their election is expected to further strengthen Clariant’s ability to navigate future challenges and seize new opportunities.

As Clariant prepares for its upcoming Annual General Meeting, the company reaffirms its dedication to transparency, accountability, and long-term value creation. The proposed Board changes underscore Clariant’s confidence in its strategy and its focus on building a resilient and future-ready organization.

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