Hempel Appoints New Head of Protective, Industrial Businesses

Martin Wiese. Photo courtesy of Hempel.As of October 1, 2019, Martin Wiese is now leading the protective and industrial business areas for worldwide coatings manufacturer Hempel (Kongens Lyngby, Denmark).

These two business segments deliver approximately half of Hempel's total turnover, according to the company, which says the senior appointment is key to its continued drive to become a €3-billion company.

The manufacturer's protective and industrial business areas encompass wind power, infrastructure, oil and gas, and thermal power. As of October 1, Wiese has overall responsibility for driving these businesses further on a global scale.

“It is a huge responsibility, and I have every confidence in Martin’s skills and capabilities,” says Michael Hansen, chief commercial officer. “We operate within an industry where our customers are continually growing bigger and becoming more global. It is vital we retain and strengthen our global presence, ensuring we are able to operate and compete at the very highest level. I am confident that Martin will fit perfectly into his new role, and I am very pleased that he has accepted the challenge.”

It is not Wiese’s first stint with Hempel. He joined the company’s research and development (R&D) team in Denmark in 1996, and after various roles with the company, he was promoted to group vice president for R&D in 2005. The manufacturer says it has changed significantly since then, but adds that Wiese retains his insight into the core of its business.

“Martin’s solid background in the coatings industry and in Hempel’s business and products gives him an understanding of our coatings and services from the initial phase,” Hansen says. “He knows the protective coatings market and the innovative process that lies behind the development of new coating solutions. This is extremely valuable when meeting customers and developing our protective business to meet their needs.”

Overall, Wiese has 20 years of experience in the coatings industry. He has held commercial positions with a global perspective based out of Denmark, France, The Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates. According to the company, he has vast experience within management consultancy.

In his new position, he will be based at the group’s headquarters near Copenhagen, Denmark. “I’m more than ready to join the team and take part in driving forward Hempel’s protective and industrial businesses,” Wiese says. “Hempel’s focus on connecting with the customers is a core reason for me accepting the challenge. So, I look forward to working with colleagues in a global setup to create value for Hempel’s customers, both existing and new, across the globe.”

Source: Hempel, www.hempel.com.