2026 Global Top 10: Honorable Mention, Hempel
Founded in 1915, Hempel is a global coatings supplier serving the Decorative, Marine, and Energy & Infrastructure segments. At the end of 2025, the company employed 7,115 people and operated 24 factories, 13 R&D centers and 334 paint stores while serving customers in more than 110 countries.
Hempel reported €2.165 billion in 2025 revenue, down €20 million from the prior year. The decline reflected unfavorable currency translation effects, while organic revenue grew 3.4%. Adjusted EBITDA increased to €394 million, resulting in a record adjusted EBITDA margin of 18.2%. Free cash flow rose to €259 million from €139 million in 2024.
Honorable Mention:
Hempel
2025 Coatings Sales: Approx. $2.45 billion (€2.165 billion)
Headquarters: Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Joint Interim CEOs: Peter la Cour Gormsen and Emilie Barriau
Marine was Hempel’s strongest-performing segment, generating €750 million in revenue and 9.8% organic growth. Energy & Infrastructure generated €775 million and grew 0.1% organically, as infrastructure gains offset softer energy-sector demand. Decorative revenue totaled €640 million, with 0.6% organic growth supported by Farrow & Ball and Crown Paints.
Hempel completed the divestment of Hempel Industrial B.V. in the Netherlands in January 2025, further concentrating its portfolio on core Energy & Infrastructure markets. The company also inaugurated an R&D center in Zhangjiagang, China, while its production facility there reached full capacity during the year.
In January 2026, Hempel launched its Accelerate to win strategy, focused on commercial execution, targeted growth, innovation and customer sustainability performance. Effective June 12, 2026, Peter la Cour Gormsen and Emilie Barriau became Hempel’s joint interim CEOs following Michael Hansen’s departure.
Source: Hempel Annual Report 2025, company website, press releasesLooking for a reprint of this article?
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