Stephan Sielaff became CEO of the Schill+Seilacher Group on October 1, bringing around 30 years of experience in specialty chemicals and related industries. He will lead the Group’s next phase of development, focusing on customer relationships, international collaboration and application expertise.
Sielaff is a chemical engineer. His career includes senior positions at Unilever, Symrise, Archroma and Lenzing AG. Most recently, he served as CEO of SSI SCHÄFER Plastics.
Focus on Synthetic Fiber Solutions
Schill+Seilacher supplies process auxiliaries for staple fibers and continuous filaments. The Group also develops solutions that add specific functions to nonwovens.
Its spinning finishes support efficient fiber processing. They also help manufacturers achieve properties suited to different end uses, including softness, controlled water absorption and water repellency.
These solutions serve several sectors, including apparel, hygiene, mobility, construction and infrastructure.
Customer Proximity and International Growth
Sielaff sees application expertise and continuous innovation as important strengths for specialty chemicals companies. He aims to build on the Group’s experience while developing tailored solutions with customers.
He also plans to strengthen collaboration across international markets and bring the organization closer to customers and business partners.
“Tradition becomes a competitive advantage in specialty chemicals when experience is continuously translated into new solutions,” Sielaff said.
Dr Peter Dürolf, Chairman of the Board of Directors, highlighted the growing importance of speed, international reach and commercial execution. He said Sielaff’s international leadership experience would help the Group address these challenges and support its future development.
The leadership change places customer-focused innovation and international cooperation at the centre of Schill+Seilacher’s next phase.
