Umicore to see recycling leadership change

Belgium-based metals producer and recycler Umicore has announced changes to its management board, including the departure of Denis Goffaux, executive vice president of recycling, who will leave the firm at the end of this month.

Umicore says Goffaux had “a successful and diverse career of nearly 30 years” with the company. He will be succeeded June 1 by Veerle Slenders, who currently serves as president of Germany-based industrial gas and engineering firm Linde Group’s Europe West region.

“The management board and I want to thank Denis for his valuable contributions to Umicore’s management board over the past 13 years and to our group for 28 years,” Umicore CEO Mathias Miedreich says. “From mandate to mandate, Denis was key in sharpening Umicore’s strategic focus on clean mobility materials and recycling, and in developing our materials technology innovations in line with our strategic ambitions.

“I am pleased that Veerle will join our management board, succeeding Denis, to strengthen the long-term roadmap of our recycling activities. Her international expertise in industrial business development and operations management will further solidify our execution strength in the Recycling Business Group. Veerle’s entrepreneurial spirit, track record in safety and environment, as well as her people engagement through diversity and inclusion, fit perfectly to Umicore and our values.”

Olbrechts began his career at Umicore in 2000 and at one time served as operations manager in its Precious Metals Refining business unit.

Sanders brings nearly 30 years of experience in various leadership roles in Europe and in the United States and a track record in business development, operations management as well as general and portfolio management in the electronics, aviation, oil and gas, steel and chemicals markets.

Umicore says it also has nominated Geert Olbrechts, senior vice president of research and technology and supply in its Automotive Catalysts business unit, as its chief technology officer.