People: Elkem names new chief executive

Oslo – Elkem ASA's chairman Michael Koenig will assume the position of chief executive of the company as of 1 Dec, the Norwegian silicones specialist announced 26 Sept.

Hao Zhigang, current member of the board of Elkem, will assume the position of chairman of the board of Elkem as Michael Koenig resigns from the board.

Koenig is replacing Helge Aasen, who is stepping down after more than ten years at the position. Aasen will continue to serve as a board member of China National Bluestar, Elkem’s parent company. 

“As chairman of the board of Elkem the last three years, Michael Koenig has worked closely on Elkem’s strategy and has in-depth industry knowledge of Elkem’s industries and operations,” said Hao Zhigang, welcoming Koenig to his new positin.

Koenig, 56, is currently the CEO of China National Bluestar, a position he has held since January 2016. 

He has previously worked with the Bayer group, where he held various positions, including CEO of Bayer Group Greater China and head of polycarbonates business unit of Bayer Material Science. 

He has a degree in chemical engineering from the Chemical Engineering Department of the TU Dortmund University in Germany.

“I am very confident that Elkem will continue to deliver on our ambitions and grasp the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Koenig commenting on his new position.