How Evonik’s New CFO Will ‘Crisis-Proof’ Financal Strategy

Decided by the company’s Supervisory Board meeting on 17 April, Evonik has extended CEO Christian Kullmann’s contract, who will remain in the position until 2030.

In addition, the company has appointed Michael Rauch as the company’s latest CFO. Both leadership decisions were agreed by the board unanimously.

Kullmann has been with the company since 2003 and was previously appointed Chief Strategy Officer in 2014 and has headed Evonik’s Management Board since May 2017. 

The Supervisory Board will officially extend Kullmann's contract at the company’s Annual General Meeting on June 3.

Discussing Christian’s leadership in a company statement, Bernd Tönjes, Supervisory Board Chairman, says: “Christian Kullmann stands for stability and continuity in challenging times.

“He has steered Evonik through difficult waters in recent years. The supervisory board is counting on the Executive Board to keep the course and continue to make Evonik fit for the future.”

He goes on to acknowledge Michael’s appointment as CFO, praising his experience in financial management during periods of market instability.

“In Michael Rauch, Evonik has found a CFO who has a great deal of experience with transformation.

“We are convinced that he combines the best qualities overall to make Evonik even more weatherproof in a volatile market environment through resilient financial management.”

Enhancing financial targets

Christian first joined the company in 2003 and was later appointed as Chief Strategy Officer in 2014. He has served as Evonik’s CEO and head of the Management Board since May 2017.

Praising Christian’s communication style, Alexander Bercht, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board, says: “I know and appreciate Christian Kullmann as a tough and open negotiating partner.

“We don't agree on all issues, but once we have agreed, you can fully rely on him. He is politically experienced and always open for debate, which is worth a lot, especially in these times.”

Christian has also served as the company’s CFO on an interim basis since September 2025.

Speaking on Michael’s CFO appointment, Christian says: “In personal conversations, I have gained a very good impression of Michael Rauch.

“We have major challenges to overcome and need a crisis-proof, experienced executive like him.”

Christian also praised Dr. Claus Rettig, Regional President of Evonik Asia Pacific, who has been performing operational tasks in the Finance Department since September 2025.

Following Michael’s appointment as CFO, Claus will fully concentrate on his role as head of Asia-Pacific the region.

Capital-market tenure

Michael previously worked for Henkel, where he held various strategy and financial positions across Germany, Sweden and China throughout his 16-year tenure with the company.

His most recent leadership positions include serving as interim CEO for Selecta AG in 2025 and as CompuGroup Medical’s CFO and CEO across a 5-year period. He also served as CEO for perfumery retailer Douglas from 2017 to 2019.

In addition, he has extensive experience with capital markets.

Michael’s role as CFO will come into effect from 1 May. He will introduce himself personally to Evonik's shareholders at the Annual Shareholders Meeting.

Voicing optimism for the company’s direction of leadership under Michael and Chriitian, Bernd adds: “With a strong CEO at the helm and an excellent Executive Board overall, Evonik can tackle with full force the goals it has set.”