Münster, 26 April 2012 – Patrick Mathieu takes over as new Chief Executive Officer of Armacell International on May 7 as the global leader in technical insulation announced today. The 51-year-old Frenchman succeeds Stephan Kessel, who has had the role on an interim basis since 2011 and who will now return to his previous position as Chairman of the Advisory Board.
Patrick Mathieu has an outstanding track record in the building industry: he held various management positions in the Saint-Gobain Group for over 20 years, including that of Technical Director of Isover, Germany. As Regional Director he was later responsible for the insulation division of the Saint-Gobain Group in Western Europe and then, as Regional Director for the Mediterranean region, for the Saint-Gobain construction materials gypsum, insulation and mortar products. Prior to moving to Armacell, he was President Western Europe and International Flooring Division in the Tarkett Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of flooring.
Stephan Kessel is pleased that Armacell has been able to appoint Patrick Mathieu: ‘His professional know-how, management qualities, many years of experience and reputation in the industry and, not least, his personal attitude make Patrick Mathieu the perfect fit for this job. Armacell has come out stronger after the recent turbulence in the industry. There is a strong foundation for further profitable growth; the time to hand over to Patrick Mathieu could not be better. I am convinced he will lead the group with more power than I could do in the long term. He will give the company new momentum.’
Patrick Mathieu has worked outside France for most of his career and is looking forward to moving to Münster: ‘Armacell is renowned in the building industry for its outstanding quality, strong customer focus, technology leadership and truly global presence. I am very excited to be returning to Germany after ten years. My experience of managing companies here – such a G+H Isover – has been very positive. I am convinced of Armacell’s potential for development and am greatly looking forward to the challenge.’
Patrick Mathieu will take over as CEO on May 7, 2012. After a short transition period Stephan Kessel will resume his position as Chairman of the Armacell Advisory Board.