Arlanxeo names new chief executive

The Hague, The Netherlands - Arlanxeo has named Stephan van Santbrink as its next chief executive officer, to take over the position at the beginning of October.

Van Santbrink will replace Dr Donald Chen, who is retiring from the top role but will remain involved in a senior advisory capacity over the next six months.

Chen will “ensure a smooth transition of leadership and the continuation of important strategic projects” until 1 Feb 2024, said Arlanxeo 30 June.

Van Santbrink has been a member of Saudi Aramco-owned Arlanxeo's non-executive board since March 2023.

He will be based in The Hague and joins Arlanxeo from Saudi Aramco, where he was the downstream CFO, head of strategy & business support.

Arlanxeo's new CEO has 25 years' experience in the oil & gas industry, from both Aramco and Shell, continued the Dutch-based synthetic rubber producer.

Van Santbrink is also currently an “active board/committee member” of leading companies such as Sabic, Motiva Enterprises, Satorp and Aramco Trading.

The Dutch national holds degrees in law and economics from the University of Amsterdam and an MBA from the Rotterdam School of Management.

Chen took the helm at Arlanxeo in 2019 and steered the business through significant market challenges, including during the global Covid crisis.