New group chief innovation officer for Imerys

Thierry Materne to succeed Thierry Salmona in innovation and strategic marketing role

IMERYS, leaders in mineral-based speciality solutions for industry, have announced the appointment of Thierry Materne as chief innovation officer. With responsibility for innovation and strategic marketing, he will report to Imerys chairman and chief executive officer Gilles Michel.

Mr Materne (pictured) will join the Group’s Executive Committee in September 2016 and takes over from Thierry Salmona, a member of the Group’s Executive Committee who will become advisor to the chairman and CEO.

Mr Materne, who has a PhD in Chemistry and Materials Science, worked for more than 11 years in research and development at Goodyear Tire & Rubber in Europe and the US, developing more than 60 patents in a wide range of areas. He then joined Dow Corning where he held increasing responsibilities in research and business management. Most recently, he was vice-president of technology and innovation for Sabic Innovative Plastics (ex-GE Plastics).

In terms of innovation, Imerys draw upon a network of 400 researchers and technicians worldwide and have substantially evolved in recent years, as evidenced by an increase in new product sales from €250 million in 2011 to almost €500 million in 2015. Imerys say the recruitment of Thierry Materne is part of their ambition to further accelerate innovation within the Group.