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Encouraging Creativity and Teamwork

IMCD CEO Valerie Diele-Braun outlines her strategic intentions regarding sustainability, worldwide growth, and business strategy in an individual CHEManager International interview.

Encouraging Creativity and Teamwork
Encouraging Creativity and Teamwork

Encouraging Creativity and Teamwork

In the dynamic world of specialty chemicals and ingredients, IMCD continues to make waves. Under the guidance of its CEO, Valerie Diele-Braun, who has been in her position for a year, the company has shown remarkable growth and innovation.

IMCD has been actively expanding its presence in multiple regions, including its recent acquisitions of Blumos in Latin America and Signet in India. These strategic moves align with its core goal of becoming a global leader in specialty chemicals distribution by broadening its geographic footprint and product portfolio. In recent years, the company has conducted multiple global expansions, focusing on acquiring regional specialty chemical distributors to strengthen its presence in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

The ongoing consolidation of suppliers presents opportunities for IMCD to remain commercially successful. IMCD is seizing these opportunities, implementing digital tools to enhance efficiency and fostering a can-do spirit and strong collaboration among employees through its matrix organisation. This digital transformation is not just about streamlining processes but also about staying agile and adaptable in a rapidly changing world.

IMCD's ambition is to be number one in each of its eight business lines and in every country it operates. To achieve this, the company encourages innovation through rapid suggestion and implementation processes. This approach, combined with its commitment to continuous improvement, has led to the introduction of initiatives like "Element E," symbolising its commitment to employees' development, innovation, and continuous improvement.

IMCD's sustainability program is another key aspect of its strategy. The company has established a portfolio of products based on deep market understanding and innovation. It focuses on the total benefit of ownership and the overall benefit a product provides, rather than just comparing individual products. This approach helps address potential customer reluctance to use sustainable materials by highlighting the broader benefits.

Supporting medium and small customers is also a crucial part of IMCD's strategy. The company provides them with expertise and resources to help them grow and succeed. This approach is not only good for business but also contributes to a healthier and more vibrant specialty chemicals and ingredients industry.

Collaboration is crucial for improving the environment in this industry. IMCD, with its over 80 labs worldwide, is well-positioned to collaborate with partners and stakeholders to drive positive change. Changing demographics, such as Generation Z's preference for digital interactions, offer opportunities for IMCD to connect with a new generation of customers and partners.

Under Diele-Braun's leadership, IMCD has excelled in areas like sustainability and digital leadership. The company continues to invest in providing added value through knowledge and best practices sharing. In the past year, it has developed numerous business opportunities with both new and existing principals, expanding geographically and adding new principals to its portfolio.

IMCD's M&A track record is another testament to its growth. Last year, the company continued its M&A track record, acquiring 12 companies. This strategic approach to growth has positioned IMCD well for the future, as it continues to strive towards its goal of being number one in each of its business lines and in every country it operates.

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