Azelis appoints new Americas chief executive

Antwerp, Belgium - Azelis Group NV has appointed Todd Cottrell as CEO of Azelis Americas, the Belgian distributor announced 14 Aug.

He will succeed Frank Bergonzi, who retires end of September, but will continue to serve as a consultant, supporting Azelis’ growth strategy through to end of 2025.

According to Azelis, Cottrell brings with him more than 30 years of expertise and industry knowledge in both technical and executive roles.

He has worked for “global leaders” in the CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers) industry, including most recently as MD Americas for “a large European manufacturer.”

Cottrell has also served in regional director and regional president roles in France and China, as well as holding multiple industry board positions.

He holds a BSc in chemical engineering from Michigan Technological University and an MBA from Duke University, US.

Bergonzi has led Azelis Americas over the past seven years, expanding the business revenue from $725 million (€650 million) in 2015 to $1.7 billion in 2022.

During his term, the business completed seven acquisitions and the company footprint has grown from the US to Canada and Latin America, Azelis said.

“Under Frank’s leadership, we have more than doubled our revenue in the Americas and established a presence in five new countries,” said Dr Hans Joachim Mueller, Azelis Group CEO.

Mueller also welcomed Cottrell who will bring “a wealth of experience” in speciality chemicals and CASE, which is the Azelis’ “largest segment in the Americas”.

“He has substantial speciality supplier experience and a good perspective on the role of the distribution channel,” the group CEO added.