Arkema Names New COO as Longtime Executive Retires

Event summary

Laurent Tellier appointed COO of Arkema effective July 1, 2026, replacing retiring Marc Schuller.
Tellier will oversee all business segments except High Performance Polymers and Fluorogases, which will have an interim leader.
Schuller will serve as special advisor until September 30, 2026, to ensure smooth transition.
Arkema reported €9.1 billion in sales in 2025, with 85% from specialty materials segments.

The big picture

Arkema's COO transition comes as the company solidifies its position in specialty chemicals, where it competes with firms like Saint-Gobain. The shift reflects broader industry trends toward materials science innovation and sustainability. With €9.1 billion in 2025 revenue, Arkema's governance changes will be closely watched by investors tracking operational efficiency and segment growth.

What we're watching

Leadership Continuity: How Laurent Tellier's operational experience will impact Arkema's specialty materials strategy.
Segment Performance: Whether the High Performance Polymers and Fluorogases businesses maintain momentum under interim leadership.
Strategic Focus: The pace at which Arkema advances its goal to become a world leader in specialty materials.