DSM announces appointment of new President for personal care and aroma ingredients

19-Jan-2018 - Last updated on 19-Jan-2018 at 11:22 GMT

Gareth Barker has been appointed President DSM Personal Care & Aroma Ingredients, effective 1 January 2018.

This is not the only senior leadership change seen at DSM at the start of this year, with Gaelle Bathany having been announced as the company’s new head of sustainability for personal care.

Baker joined Roche/DSM in 1993, says the company, and from then until 2012 he held a variety of commercial and marketing positions in Switzerland, Hong Kong, Singapore and Costa Rica.

Since October 2012, he has been Vice President of HNH EMEA, using his position to make ‘a significant impact’ on the implementation of value strategy, segment marketing and the Health Benefits Solutions platform in Human Nutrition.

In his new role, Barker becomes President of Personal Care & Aroma Ingredients and a Member of the Executive Committee, DSM Nutritional Products, reporting to Christoph Goppelsroeder, President & CEO, DSM Nutritional Products.

Baker succeeds Wilfrid Gambade, who is promoted to the position of President DSM Dyneema as of 1 January 2018.

According to DSM, Gambade headed the Personal Care & Aroma Ingredients business unit from March 2014. Under his leadership the business achieved strong organic growth across all segments, supported by product innovation and greater customer intimacy.

An eye on sustainability

Baker takes up the role as Bathany steps into the new sustainability lead position at DSM, suggesting the company will be looking to make sustainable practices a central focus moving forward in its personal care activities.

Speaking on her appointment, Bathany asserted that her appointment participates in an industry-wide culture shift, that has seen sustainability become an integral part of any business model, rather than an optional extra.

“Sustainability is no longer a choice. It is essential if we are to continue to be viable,” she says.

“We must embed sustainability in our strategy to ensure long-term business relationships with our customers, attract young talents as employees, and help resolve the challenges our planet is facing."