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PODCAST

Speciality Sessions

Natasha Klymczuk

Speciality Sessions is a podcast by Kelham Partners, the executive search and talent advisory firm for the global Specialty Chemicals & Ingredients sector. Hosted by Natasha Klymczuk, it explores the people, ideas, and trends shaping the industry; from transformation and sustainability to innovation, culture, and careers. Conversations that connect science, leadership, and the people driving change.

science chemistry

All Episodes

00:29:37

Session #15 | No Playbook, No Mould: Fenna van Zanten...

Speciality Sessions ·

2026/08/25

In this episode of Speciality Sessions, Natasha Klymczuk is joined by Fenna van Zanten, Global M&A Director at IMCD, business division leader and member of its Executive Committee.Fenna’s career has taken her from corporate law and advising on transactions to working inside the business, where her responsibilities now span M&A, integration, commercial leadership and people management.They explore why successful integration cannot simply be reduced to executing a playbook. Every acquisition

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00:30:39

Session #14 | Curiosity, Courage & Confidence: Premal...

Speciality Sessions ·

2026/06/16

In this episode of Speciality Sessions, Natasha speaks to Premal Desai, CEO of hubergroup.Known for its heritage in printing inks and packaging solutions, hubergroup is evolving into a broader specialty chemicals business. Premal shares how the company is navigating that transformation, what it means to lead through change, and why he believes India will play an increasingly important role in the future of global manufacturing and innovation.The conversation explores leadership, supply chain

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00:29:55

Session #13 | Building For the Long Term: Thoralf...

Speciality Sessions ·

2026/06/02

In this episode of Speciality Sessions, Natasha speaks to Thoralf Gliese, Chief Commercial Officer at Omya.With more than 20 years inside one of the world’s leading specialty materials businesses, Thoralf shares his perspective on transferable skills, innovation, leadership, customer intimacy, and why long-term thinking matters more than ever in today’s market environment.The conversation explores the evolution of chemical distribution, the value of adjacent sector experience, how innovation creates

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00:36:00

Session #12 | Beyond Compliance: Chris Brown on...

Speciality Sessions ·

2026/05/19

In this episode of Speciality Sessions, Natasha speaks to Chris Brown, VP ESG at Synthomer.From starting his career in environmental engineering to leading ESG strategy at one of the world’s leading specialty polymer businesses, Chris shares a commercially grounded perspective on sustainability, innovation and the future direction of the chemical industry.This conversation goes beyond compliance and reporting - into how sustainability creates competitive advantage, why commercial teams are central

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00:30:42

Session #11 | Leadership Without All The Answers:...

Speciality Sessions ·

2026/05/05

In the first episode of Season 2 of Speciality Sessions, Natasha speaks to Anna Bertona, CEO of Azelis.From entering the chemicals industry without a traditional background, to leading one of the world’s top distribution businesses, Anna shares a candid view on leadership, decision-making, and what it really takes to operate in a complex, high-performance environment.This conversation goes beyond the headlines - into how leaders actually think, hire, and make decisions when the stakes are

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00:26:29

Session #10 | Stay Calm and Carry On: Christian...

Speciality Sessions ·

2026/04/14

In this final episode of the first series of "Speciality Sessions," host Natasha Klymczuk sits down with Christian Kohlpaintner, a seasoned leader in the chemical industry, to discuss the art of resilience and leadership. Christian shares insights from his extensive career, including his transition from CEO at Brenntag to a supervisory role at Evonik. They explore the challenges and opportunities within the European chemical sector, the importance of building resilient business models, and

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00:31:49

Session #9 | Mistakes Can Change the Course of...

Speciality Sessions ·

2026/03/31

Most chemical industry leaders don’t get the recognition they deserve — but Jenn Klein is changing that. As CEO of SOCMA, she reveals how the specialty chemical sector touches our daily lives in more ways than we realise, from water safety to electronics, and why understanding this industry’s power is crucial for the future.In this candid conversation, Jen shares her unexpected journey into chemicals, from political science to industry advocate, and explains why her passion lies in supporting the

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00:27:44

Session #8 | The Financial Side of Chemicals: Dr...

Speciality Sessions ·

2026/03/17

In this episode, Bernd Schneider, Global Co-Head of Chemicals at Stifel, discusses the intricacies of M&A in the chemical industry, addressing misconceptions, the impact of ownership changes, and the evolving landscape of buyers. He shares insights on what makes a good chemical asset, the challenges faced in post-M&A scenarios, and offers advice for CEOs navigating ownership changes. Bernd also reflects on his unique journey from a polymer chemist to investment banking, emphasizing the

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00:31:40

Session #7 | Passion and Discipline in Practice:...

Speciality Sessions ·

2026/03/03

In this episode, Natasha Klymczuk interviews Martin John, CEO of KRAHN Chemie Group, discussing his transition from a large manufacturing company to a more agile distribution role. Martin shares insights on leadership, the importance of chemistry in various industries, and the challenges of adapting to a new organizational structure. He emphasizes the significance of building relationships, enabling value, and learning from experiences in the chemical industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Martin

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00:24:18

Session #6 | Dare and Care: Antje Gerber on Leading...

Speciality Sessions ·

2026/02/17

In this episode of Specialty Sessions, host Natasha Klymczuk speaks with Antje Gerber, EVP INTERNATIONAL CHEMICALS at Sasol, about the company's transformation in the chemical industry, its South African heritage, and the importance of leadership during challenging times. Antje shares insights on managing change, fostering employee morale, and the need for optimism and realism in leadership. The conversation also touches on the role of chemicals in energy transition and the significance of

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00:37:00

Session #5 | From Chemist to CEO: Marcus Jordan on...

Speciality Sessions ·

2026/02/02

In this episode, Marcus Jordan, CEO of IMCD, shares insights on the importance of distribution careers, the transition from technical to commercial roles, and the value of diverse experiences in building a successful career. He emphasizes the need for enthusiasm in leadership, the role of AI in transforming distribution, and the significance of work-life balance. Marcus encourages young talent to consider distribution as a dynamic and exciting career path, highlighting the industry's agility and

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00:23:55

Session #4 | From print to pixels Andrew Warmington...

Speciality Sessions ·

2026/01/20

In this conversation, Andrew Warmington discusses the contrasting marketing strategies of large corporations and small to medium enterprises (SMEs). He highlights the challenges SMEs face in gaining media coverage compared to bigger players with substantial marketing budgets. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of unique contributions from lesser-known companies in attracting media attention.Takeaways- Big players have larger marketing budgets and dedicated teams.- Editors are interested

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00:36:54

Session #3 | Half a Shoe Size Too Big: Julia Schlenz...

Speciality Sessions ·

2026/01/06

In this episode, Natasha Klymczuk interviews Julia Schlenz, President of Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India at Dow. Julia shares her unique career journey from public relations to the chemical industry, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and psychological safety in leadership. She discusses the challenges and opportunities within the chemical sector, particularly in relation to innovation and regulatory constraints. Julia also highlights the distinctive culture at Dow that

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00:34:36

Session #2 | From Founder-Led to PE-Backed: James...

Speciality Sessions ·

2025/12/16

In this conversation, James Clews, Managing Director of Technikraft, discusses the various career paths available, emphasising that there is no singular right choice. He highlights the advantages of working in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly the flexibility and quick decision-making that come with smaller teams and structures.

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00:37:30

Session #1 | A Noble Profession: David Jukes on...

Speciality Sessions ·

2025/12/02

In this inaugural episode of Speciality Sessions, host Natasha Klymczuk interviews David Jukes, CEO of Univar Solutions. David shares his unique journey into the chemical industry, emphasising the importance of education and the need for better communication about career opportunities in chemistry. He discusses the noble nature of the profession, the challenges faced by the industry, and the role of innovation and resilience in overcoming these obstacles. David also reflects on his leadership

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00:00:31

Trailer: David Jukes, Chemistry's Role & Risks in...

Speciality Sessions ·

2025/12/01

TRAILER: Speciality Sessions, host Natasha Klymczuk interviews David Jukes, CEO of Universe Solutions. David shares his unique journey into the chemical industry, emphasising the importance of education and the need for better communication about career opportunities in chemistry.

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16 results

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