Will replace Jan Secher, effective March 1
Ib Jensen will take over from Jan Secher as CEO of Perstorp Group, effective March 1
Perstorp Group is a leading specialty chemicals company headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, and since 2022 has been a part of PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG).
Jensen is a highly respected senior industry executive with a long career as chief financial officer (CFO) and extensive experience from mergers and acquisitions, and integration of acquired companies, something that will be required in the next phase for Perstorp.
After more than nine successful years as the CEO of Perstorp Group, Secher has decided to step down. This decision is based on a personal direction set more than a year ago, prior to the acquisition by PCG, allowing for a full search process to be conducted for his replacement. Jensen has been CFO of Perstorp for the past year and was considered the most qualified candidate based on his knowledge of the company, long-term experience of the specialty chemicals industry and high level of appreciation in Perstorp as well as in PCG. Previous experience includes CFO and executive roles within finance and IT at companies such as Arxada, Lonza, Syngenta, Danisco and LEGO.
“I have had the pleasure to lead Perstorp through an exciting transformation, which has formed the company to what we are today: a sustainability frontrunner with a growing share of specialty chemicals in the portfolio,” Secher said. “This has been the crowning of my professional career and I have been surrounded with fantastic and inspiring people. I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all, externally as internally for a tremendous support. The company is entering a new chapter in its more than 140-year history and with PCG as our owner, a series of opportunities are opening well beyond what we have seen in the past. It serves as the perfect timing to hand over the reins to a most capable leader. I am proud of the company and the extraordinary team that Ib now takes over to lead. I wish him and the team all the success in the future.”
Secher remains in the CEO role until March 1 and will thereafter serve as an adviser to the new CEO and the chairman, focusing on strategy and transferring external relationships. Monica Jönsson, deputy CFO, will take on the role as CFO when Jensen assumes the position as CEO.
“It is an honor to take over as CEO from Jan Secher and I look forward to lead Perstorp in this new exciting phase,” Jensen said. “With PCG as the new owners, their commitment and the support from the strong executive leadership team, I feel confident about a successful time ahead of us.”
