Birla launches major restructuring to focus on customers

Mumbai, India – Indian carbon black manufacturer Birla Carbon has launched a reorganisation scheme which it says will leverage the company's global capabilities while increasing focus on market driven innovation. 

The restructuring will see Birla transitioning to “a global functional organisation from one which previously operated in five global geographic regions,” said the company 7 July.

As part of the change, John Davidson, currently the president of the Europe and Africa region, will become the chief sales and marketing officer and will continue to report to chief operating officer John Loudermilk. 

Sanjeev Sood, currently the president of the South Asia region, will become the chief manufacturing officer for Asia and Dale Clark, currently chief technology officer, will become the chief manufacturing officer for Americas, Europe, and Africa. 

Both Sood and Clark will continue to report to Loudermilk and will have responsibility for all manufacturing and supply chain activities in their respective regions along with joint accountability for global quality and engineering services.
 
Ronaldo Duarte, president of the South America region, will be retiring from Birla Carbon later in the year after having served more than 40 years in a variety of leadership roles. 

Mark Bass, president of the North America region, and Todd Cottrell, president of Specialty and North Asia, are both leaving Birla Carbon to pursue other opportunities.

Birla did not specify when the changes will come into effect.  

Commenting on the restructuring programme, chief executive officer Dr. Santrupt B. Misra said the move is expected to bring a greater focus on relationships with customers and help build a “world-class partnership” with them.

"We are always seeking ways to be more customer centric in everything we do. This transition supports that ambition while sharpening our focus on the markets we serve,” COO Loudermilk added.