Evonik, a top global specialty chemicals company, has named Elias Lacerda as President of its Americas region starting February 1, 2026. He will take over from Guido Skudlarek, who now leads Evonik’s Health Care business line in the U.S.
Lauren Kjeldsen, Evonik’s COO for Custom Solutions and Board member for the Americas, stressed the importance of the region, thanked Skudlarek for his leadership, and expressed confidence in Lacerda to advance Evonik’s growth goals. She described ambitious plans for both North and South America.
Lacerda, originally from Brazil and holding degrees in chemical engineering and an MBA, has nearly thirty years with Evonik and predecessor firms. His experience includes significant time managing coatings businesses in Central and South America and leading global divisions such as Silica and Animal Nutrition. Most recently, he headed the Coating Additives division in Essen, Germany, and served as president of the CSA region from 2018 to 2022 before it merged with North America.
Kjeldsen praised Lacerda as an ideal fit thanks to his fluency in four languages and strong scientific and business background.
The Americas account for 30% of Evonik’s annual revenue and host more than 30 production sites, distribution centres, and offices. Lacerda said his focus will be on people, performance, and prosperity. He looks forward to working with the team to expand Evonik’s footprint, drive strategic projects, and strengthen the region.
