Indian carbon black supplier Birla Carbon is undertaking organisational changes in what it says will drive closer connection to its customers, focus on market driven innovation, and leverage its global capabilities. The company will transition to a global functional organisation from one which previously operated in five global geographic regions having responsibility for all business operations.
Commenting on the organisational changes, Dr. Santrupt B. Misra, CEO, Birla Carbon, said, “The Birla Carbon business has always been keenly focused on our customers and we believe that these changes will allow us to bring a greater focus to those relationships in a way that will lead to even greater innovation and partnership.” He further states, “We at Birla Carbon are committed to living our Purpose – ‘Share the Strength’ – by building world-class partnerships and relationships with our customers in such a way that we continue to be the supplier of choice.”
Sharing his thoughts on the changes, John Loudermilk, COO, Birla Carbon, stated, “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 and delivering innovative solutions that help our customers create value.”
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 Loudermilk. Davidson will be responsible for all sales and marketing aspects of the company supported by a team of sales leaders, market sector leaders, and marketing leaders positioned around the world.
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 serving 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.