Solvay announces new appointments for Silica and Special Chem Business leadership

Newsrss2rssLinkedIn

Solvay announces new appointments for Silica and Special Chem Business leadership

September 15, 2026

RubberWorld

Brussels, Belgium — Solvay has appointed new leaders for its silica, rare earth and fluorine businesses as the Belgian chemicals company reorganizes leadership of its specialty operations.

The appointments take effect Oct. 1, Solvay said.

Adam Days will become president of Solvay’s Silica global business unit, while Stéphane Diaz will take over as general manager of the company’s Rare Earth business. Ziad Haddad has been named general manager of the Fluorine business.

The changes follow the departure of An Nuyttens, who is leaving Solvay to pursue an opportunity outside the company. Nuyttens had served as president of the Silica & Special Chem global business unit.

Days has spent more than 30 years in the chemical industry and joined Rhodia in 1994, before Solvay acquired the company. He has held positions spanning manufacturing, health, safety and environment, commercial operations, research and innovation and sustainability. He most recently served as Solvay’s business director for Silica.

Diaz currently serves as Solvay’s global business director for Rare Earth. His previous experience includes strategic marketing, business development and innovation roles at Solvay, Rhodia and BASF.

Haddad, Solvay’s current global business director for Fluorine, has held positions involving fluorine, electronic chemicals, soda ash and derivatives, sales and marketing and technical service. His career has included work in North America and Asia.

The appointments give the three businesses separate leadership roles following the departure of Nuyttens, who had overseen both Silica and Special Chem.

Solvay Chief Executive Philippe Kehren said the changes are intended to give the individual businesses greater strategic focus.

*Source: Rubber World. For reference only.