Evonik named Elias Lacerda president of the company’s Americas region, effective February 1, 2026. Lacerda succeeds Guido Skudlarek, who recently became global head of Evonik’s Health Care business line based in the United States. The company said the Americas remain a key growth region within its global portfolio.

“The Americas region is crucial for Evonik’s success,” said Lauren Kjeldsen, Evonik’s chief operating officer custom solutions and management board member responsible for the Americas. “I want to sincerely thank Guido for his successful work in growing the Americas business, and I look forward to Elias leading the next phase of our growth trajectory in North and South America. We see great potential there and have ambitious goals.”

Lacerda has nearly 30 years of experience with Evonik and its predecessor organizations, including leadership roles in the coatings sector and in the company’s silica and animal nutrition business lines. He most recently headed Evonik’s coating additives business line at the company’s headquarters in Essen, Germany. From 2018 to 2022, he led the Central and South America region before its merge with North America.

“Elias is the perfect choice for the Americas region. Fluent in four languages and with an extensive global network, he combines scientific and business expertise in an ideal way,” said Kjeldsen.

Evonik generates roughly 30% of its annual revenue in the Americas and operates more than 30 production sites in the region. “My focus is on people, performance and prosperity,” Lacerda said. “I look forward to working with our excellent team to expand Evonik’s business in the Americas, drive key strategic projects and strengthen the region.”

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