What are the three strategic priorities Arkema's CEO announced for the company's future growth?

Arkema's CEO Thierry Le Henaff announced three strategic priorities: (1) sharpening focus on high-margin and high-growth businesses — specifically advanced materials and adhesives; (2) geographic diversification, particularly in the Americas and Asia; and (3) maintaining a balanced, resilient portfolio across regions and product lines to mitigate risks from global instability, such as the Middle East crisis.

How has Arkema transformed its business composition and geographic footprint over the past 20 years?

Over 20 years, Arkema transformed from a predominantly European commodity chemical company — spun off from TotalEnergies in 2006 — into a geographically balanced specialty chemicals player, with specialty chemicals now comprising ~85% of €9.07 billion ($10.5 billion) 2025 sales. Its geographic footprint is now 34% North America, 33% Europe, 28% Asia, and 5% rest of world — a marked shift from its earlier Europe-centric model, supported by 28 acquisitions and 20 divestitures, and doubling its Asia share of sales over two decades.

Arkema CEO Focuses Investments on Advanced Materials, Adhesives, and Geographic Diversification

May 19, 2026

Arkema CEO Thierry Le Henaff announced a strategic shift toward high-margin advanced materials and adhesives, emphasizing geographic diversification amid global uncertainties. The company plans significant capacity expansions for PVDF and PA11 while pursuing acquisitions in the adhesive sector.

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Arkema CEO Focuses Investments on Advanced Materials, Adhesives, and Geographic Diversification

Arkema CEO Focuses Investments on Advanced Materials, Adhesives, and Geographic Diversification

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