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Promoting Creative Thinking and Teamwork

IMCD CEO Valerie Diele-Braun outlines her plans for sustainability, worldwide growth, and strategic strategy in an exclusive interview with CHEManager International.

Encouraging Creativity and Teamwork
Encouraging Creativity and Teamwork

Promoting Creative Thinking and Teamwork

In the dynamic world of specialty chemicals distribution, IMCD continues to make waves with its strategic expansion and commitment to innovation.

Under the leadership of Valerie Diele-Braun, IMCD has been excelling in areas like sustainability and digital leadership. The company's recent growth can be seen in its foray into markets such as Brazil, China, South Korea, and various European countries, achieved through acquisitions and expansions. This strategic vision aligns well with IMCD's goal of becoming a global leader in the industry.

The company's efforts have yielded strong market growth and enhanced product portfolio diversity. IMCD has also developed numerous business opportunities with both new and existing principals, expanding geographically and adding new principals to its portfolio.

IMCD's entrepreneurial spirit fosters innovation, with successful ideas being shared as best practices, symbolized by the launch of "Element E," a process that allows employees to suggest and implement improvements rapidly. The company encourages this culture of continuous improvement to ensure agility in the face of changing demographics, such as Generation Z's preference for digital interactions, which present opportunities for IMCD to adapt and meet new ways of working.

Collaboration, both internally and externally, is essential for addressing industry challenges, particularly in areas like sustainability. IMCD has established a sustainability program with a portfolio of products based on deep market understanding and innovation. The company's matrix organization spans business groups and P&L in countries, promoting a can-do spirit and strong collaboration among employees.

IMCD's focus extends beyond individual products, focusing on the total benefit of ownership and the overall benefit a product provides. The company continues its M&A track record, acquiring 12 companies last year, including Blumos in Chile, Daoquin in China, and Signet in India, to strengthen its market presence.

IMCD is also implementing digital tools to enhance efficiency, with a focus on unified digital tools and processes that allow for the sharing of knowledge and best practices across its 80 labs worldwide. The company operates with a matrix organization that spans business groups and P&L in countries, promoting a collaborative and innovative environment.

Despite the challenges posed by the consolidation of suppliers from other regions, IMCD sees this as an opportunity to build additional services and solutions for customers, offering a competitive edge in the market. The company is committed to building strong relationships with medium and small customers, providing support and sharing expertise, especially in tough times.

As Valerie Diele-Braun, CEO of IMCD, enters her second year in her position, the company continues to strive for number one position in each of its eight business lines and in every country it operates. IMCD's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration makes it a force to be reckoned with in the specialty chemicals distribution industry. Approximately 500 new employees are welcomed each year, contributing to the company's growth and strengthening its DNA.

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