Leadership change at KRAHN Chemie

Martin John takes over as CEO

19-Mar-2025

Effective May 1st, 2025, Martin John will join the management team of KRAHN Chemie Group and take over as CEO on June 1st. The company is part of the internationally active Otto Krahn Group, a family-owned business headquartered in Hamburg.

“With Martin John, we have found an experienced and highly competent CEO to lead the KRAHN Chemie Group and drive its continued growth,” says Philip O. Krahn, CEO of the Otto Krahn Group.

Martin John brings over 30 years of international experience in the chemical industry. The 53-year-old business graduate (FH) has held leadership roles at Hoechst, Sued-Chemie, and Clariant, working across Europe, the USA, and China. Over the past 15 years, he has led global business units at Clariant in various industries, most recently overseeing the additives business for the coatings and adhesives sector. ”I am excited to lead one of Europe’s premier chemical distributors and to work with the experienced and dedicated team of KRAHN Chemie to further expand our business,” says Martin John.

Dr. Rolf Kuropka, who has successfully led KRAHN Chemie as CEO for over 13 years, will transition his operational responsibilities to Martin John as part of a planned leadership change at the end of May 2025. Following this, Dr. Rolf Kuropka will continue to support the group in an advisory capacity. “We sincerely thank Dr. Kuropka for his outstanding work and his significant contribution to our company's success,” Philip O. Krahn emphasizes.

With this leadership transition, KRAHN Chemie ensures seamless continuity while staying on course for international growth. “We will continue to expand our service and consulting offerings, strengthen our focus on sustainability, and leverage the synergies within our corporate group,” Philip O. Krahn explains.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/1185823/leadership-change-at-krahn-chemie.html