Michael B. Friede

Michael Björn Friede is the Chief Executive Officer of Brenntag Specialties and a Member of the Board of Management at Brenntag SE. With extensive international management experience and a deep understanding of the specialty chemicals sector, Michael has been a pivotal figure in the industry.

Michael’s career at Brenntag SE began in April 2023. Previously, he served as Chief Commercial Officer at Akzo Nobel N.V. and held significant roles at COVESTRO Deutschland AG, including Executive Vice President and CEO of COVESTRO Elastomers SAS. His early career included various positions at Bayer Group, where he honed his expertise in global key accounts and procurement.

Educationally, Michael is well-rounded, having completed an International MBA from Instituto de Empresa, Madrid, and further studies at Oxford University and the London School of Economics. He also completed a dual trainee program with a focus on finance and accounting at the University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management and Bayer AG.

In addition to his corporate roles, Michael serves as a non-executive director at Pearl Polyurethanes LLC in Dubai, UAE.