Matthias Zachert has been Chairman of the Board of Management of the German specialty chemicals company LANXESS AG since April 1, 2014. Previously, he was a member of the Executive Board and Chief Financial Officer of Merck KGaA.
Matthias served as Chief Financial Officer of LANXESS AG from 2004 to 2011, where he had a key role in establishing the global finance organization, restructuring the portfolio, and realigning the company after it was spun off from Bayer.
After his return to LANXESS as Chief Executive Officer in 2014 Matthias carried out a capital increase and implement a comprehensive restructuring program. These efforts were aimed at enhancing the company’s financial profile and laying the groundwork for its strategic repositioning.
Under his leadership, LANXESS underwent a significant transformation including numerous acquisitions and divestments, evolving into a global specialty chemicals player, focusing on higher-margin and more resilient sectors. This included pursuing LANXESS’ exit from the rubber business and directing the company’s focus towards more profitable segments, such as additives and consumer protection products.
Institutional Investor magazine ranked Matthias as No.1 CEO in Europe’s chemical industry in 2016-2018 and 2021 as well as No.1 CFO in chemical industry in 2007, 2010 and 2011. Furthermore, he was awarded the European IR Magazine’s best CFO in 2011.
Matthias is member of the Supervisory Board of Siemens AG as well as member of the executive committee of the association of German chemical companies (VCI). In addition, he is member of the German-Asia Pacific Business Association (APA).
Matthias studied business administration, majoring in finance and international management. Before joining LANXESS, he was CFO of the International Region of Aventis Pharma AG, which was formed by the merger of Hoechst Marion Roussel (HMR) and Rhône-Poulenc Rorer. Prior to that he was CFO of Kamps AG, where he helped to restructure the company.
Matthias is married and has four children.
