Heiko Arnold has become the new Chief Technology Officer of the Lenzing Group, on 1 May. The Management Board of the leading producer of botanic cellulose fibres led by CEO Stefan Doboczky was expanded by a new position for Technology and increased from three to four members in view of the forthcoming expansion of production capacity.

According to the sCore TEN corporate strategy the Lenzing Group aims to increase the share of specialty fibres as a percentage of revenue to 50% by 2020.

“Over the past few months I have gained a very good insight into the company. I am very much looking forward to carrying out the responsible tasks I have assumed on behalf of an innovative company such as the Lenzing Group,” said Heiko Arnold.

Implementing expansion steps

The Munich-born manager Heiko Arnold studied chemistry at the Darmstadt University of Technology. In addition to a strong scientific and technical education, Heiko Arnold contributes his longstanding experience in realising large-scale investment projects and ongoing operational improvements at BASF, especially in Asia. Moreover, he has gained considerable experience in the field of research and development.

According to the manufacturer, the creation of a new Management Board position has enabled the Lenzing Group to bundle all its technical competencies.

The new member in the company’s top management body will be responsible for the implementation of the approved and planned expansion steps, including the production facilities for Tencel fibres in Mobile (USA), Grimsby (UK), Heiligenkreuz (Austria) and in Asia. These initiatives are essential as a means of further driving organic growth, the company reports.

Pursuing growth path

“We are pleased to have Heiko Arnold on our Management Board team. He is a proven expert with extensive technological know-how and broad-based international experience, especially in the Asian region,” commented Lenzing CEO Stefan Doboczky.

“The creation of a new Management Board position will help us to continue pursuing the growth path we have set out upon and achieve our objectives within the context of our corporate strategy sCore TEN.”

www.lenzing.com