The ChemQuest Group, a global consulting firm focused on tailored business strategy and optimization, technology acceleration, market intelligence, and M&A advisory services for the specialty materials industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of two Netherlands-based directors: Erwin Wild and Ruud van der Eerden.

Erwin Wild is an experienced international business manager with a 30-year track record in the chemical industry. Through a strong focus on creating value and enabling solutions to complex challenges, he combines his passion for innovation with an entrepreneurial attitude in order to develop holistic paths to success.

Wild’s dynamic career has included leadership roles at organizations such as Huntsman Advanced Materials, CVC Thermoset Specialties, AGC Chemicals Europe, and Kemira. Fluent in English, Dutch, and German, he holds a B.S. in chemical engineering and organic chemistry from Saxion University, as well as an E.M.B.A. through the Helsinki School of Economics.

“During my career, I have had the privilege to work on the commercialization of innovative products, new business development, process development, and successful turnaround strategies,” Wild said. “I worked closely with the ChemQuest team in a previous role to develop a strategy and roadmap to creating the next level of success, and I was quite impressed with their team’s core knowledge and business savvy. I am excited to be part of a team that brings such great support and clarity, as well as impact to help clients navigate through challenging market circumstances to create sustainable growth.”

Ruud van der Eerden is a driven strategic executive with more than 35 years of leadership experience in global strategy, sales, marketing, technology, regulatory, and business management of specialty resins and polymers in CASE and other markets. He has demonstrated strategic expertise in developing and pressure-testing scenarios for business and commercial strategies, thriving in complex and challenging environments to find innovative solutions.

van der Eerden has a proven ability to assess how emerging technology, trade, and regulatory changes, as well as the “green” transition, impact value chains and business performance. This expertise has translated to significant impacts to business strategy and technology options for companies such as Synthomer plc and Eastman Chemical Co., as well as HARRPA (the EU Hydrocarbon, Rosin Resins & Pine Chemicals Association), which he has led for more than 10 years. van der Eerden earned a B.S. in chemical technology from HTS Dordrecht and is fluent in Dutch, English, and German.

“My favourite question is ‘what if?’” said van der Eerden. “I am fascinated by scenario development and planning, that process of turning scenarios into reality. During my corporate career, I worked on several occasions with ChemQuest on strategic projects as a client. I am excited to build on this combined experience together with the broader ChemQuest team and its clients.”

“The chemicals industry in Europe is undergoing tumultuous dynamics that will continue for quite some time,” said Daniel Murad, ChemQuest CEO. “Erwin and Ruud have both developed exceptional specialty chemicals-related expertise over the course of their careers. Their perspectives and input will be invaluable as our global clients strive to navigate current conditions and develop strategies for long-term profitable growth.”