Emmanuel Rapendy Will Lead BTG as CEO

The leadership change at the specialty chemicals firm will take effect on October 1, 2026.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of colorful glass beakers and chemical crystals on a workbench, representing industrial chemical industry leadership.
Emmanuel Rapendy will serve as the next President and CEO of specialty chemicals firm BTG, beginning his tenure on October 1, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Emmanuel Rapendy will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of BTG starting October 1, 2026. He transitions into this top executive position after a leadership tenure at Sulzer.

Why it matters

The appointment brings in an executive with two decades of experience to steer the company through its next phase. This move concludes the interim leadership period managed by Rainer Rauch.

Emmanuel Rapendy brings 20 years of international leadership experience to the role. He has been part of the industry since joining Sulzer in 2013.

The players

Emmanuel Rapendy

He is the incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of BTG with two decades of industry experience.

Rainer Rauch

He served as the interim CEO at BTG during the search for a permanent successor.

The details

Rapendy moves to BTG following a career that includes roles at SpecialChem, Sartomer, and Eastman Kodak. His diverse professional background spans work in both France and the United States.

Timeline

  1. Emmanuel Rapendy joined Sulzer in 2013.

  2. Rapendy will officially begin his role as CEO on October 1, 2026.

Market Landscape

This appointment follows a pattern set by the 2026 global executive transition cycle in specialty chemicals. The hiring reflects a broader industry movement toward recruiting leaders with deep international operational experience to manage complex global supply chains.

The transition marks a shift in corporate governance that may influence the company's long-term business strategy. Customers and stakeholders should monitor upcoming corporate filings for details on new operational targets.

The takeaway

Appointing a veteran with experience at firms like Sulzer suggests a focus on stability and proven management practices. Investors often look for such transitions to signal a renewed commitment to growth following interim management periods.

Further reading

For more on industry leadership trends, visit the People section.