Mitsubishi Chemical names Belgian as first foreign CEO

Jean-Marc Gilson says he's no stranger to Japan and can succeed

20201023N Mitsubishi Chemical

Incoming Mitsubishi Chemical chief executive Jean-Marc Gilson speaks by video at a news conference on Oct. 23. © Kyodo

Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings on Friday said it has appointed the Belgian-born Jean-Marc Gilson as its next CEO, breaking with tradition in order to navigate a harsh business environment.

Gilson, now CEO of Roquette, a French food and pharmaceutical ingredients maker, will become the first foreign chief executive of Japan's top chemical company by sales, effective April 1.

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