Umicore announces changes to its Management Board

Umicore announces changes to its Management Board

Geert Olbrechts, currently Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and EVP of the Business Group Specialty Materials, will assume responsibility for the Business Group Recycling effective November 18th, while maintaining his current responsibilities as CTO. 

Veerle Slenders, currently EVP Recycling, will take over responsibility for Specialty Materials effective the same date. Additionally, starting January 1st, 2025, Veerle will lead the Group’s Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) department, currently overseen by Géraldine Nolens, leveraging her solid experience in this field.

“With his passion for technology, Geert will bring valuable expertise to drive the continued technological, operational and safety performance of our Precious Metals Refining activities. Additionally, he will contribute to the further refinement of the technology and processes of our battery recycling pilot plant,” said Bart Sap, CEO of Umicore. “Veerle’s international expertise in industrial business development and operations management across a range of industrial markets will help strengthen and further develop the roadmap for our activities in Specialty Materials. Moreover, Veerle has a deep experience and strong passion for EHS and is the right person to continue to propel Umicore forward on our path towards zero harm.”

Ralph Kiessling, EVP Battery Materials and member of the Management Board since 2019 and Géraldine Nolens EVP ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) & General Counsel and member of the Management Board since 2015 will leave Umicore on December 31st, 2024. An external successor has been appointed to succeed Ralph as EVP Battery Materials and will be announced before the end of the year. 

Géraldine Nolens’ responsibilities will be reallocated among other Management Board members. Her responsibilities for overseeing the Group’s ESG agenda and strategy will transfer to Ana Fonseca Nordang, EVP People & Organization, who will ensure a seamless continuation of Umicore’s strong commitment to ESG. 

Umicore’s CEO Bart Sap said: “Ralph has been a key contributor to our Management Board for the last 5 years and has been with Umicore for more than 25 years in roles in Europe, Asia, in Catalysis and more recently in Battery Materials. I would like to thank Ralph for his commitment and impact in his various roles. I also want to express my gratitude to Géraldine for her contributions to Umicore and the Management Board. As General Counsel and being responsible for ESG and Safety, Géraldine has had an important impact in Umicore through her leadership of the Let’s go for Zero roadmap. I wish them both the very best for their future.”