Strategy and Outlook for the Global Chemicals Industry in 2025: In Conversation with Dietmar Jost

In a rapidly evolving post-pandemic landscape, stability and growth in the supply chain and chemical industries are top priorities for 2025. In this interview, Dietmar Jost, President of the Group Management Board, Executive Director at KANSAI HELIOS, highlights the importance of sustainable growth, driven by strategic acquisitions, advanced digital tools, and targeted R&D investments. Jost emphasises the value of talent development – both by nurturing internal teams and recruiting external expertise – as a key enabler of adaptability, innovation, and long-term competitiveness in 2025 and beyond.

What are some strategies for establishing stability in 2025, given the recent disruptions in global demand and supply chains?

Stability in 2025 will hinge on adaptability, operational efficiency and strategic foresight. At KANSAI HELIOS, we are dedicated to strengthening supply chain resilience to mitigate risks, ensuring the availability of critical raw materials and maintaining uninterrupted service to our customers. This effort includes refining procurement processes and cultivating strong, collaborative partnerships with our suppliers.

Operational excellence is another cornerstone of our strategy. By leveraging advanced digital tools and automation, we are optimising production processes, enhancing efficiency, and reducing costs – all while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

Customer-centricity remains a core pillar of our strategy. We are committed to understanding and anticipating our customers’ evolving needs, enabling us to deliver innovative and tailored solutions that exceed expectations.

Finally, our unwavering focus on ESG principles reinforces our commitment to sustainability, regulatory compliance, and ethical operations. By prioritising responsible practices, we build trust with our stakeholders and create a stable foundation for success in an ever-changing market environment.

What growth strategies do you see emerging in the market for 2025?

Our growth strategy for 2025 centres on leveraging recent strategic acquisitions, such as last year’s addition of WEILBURGER Coatings, to expand our market footprint and enhance our product portfolio. By entering new markets and addressing a broader spectrum of customer needs, we aim to reinforce our position as a market leader.

Innovation remains a cornerstone of our growth, driven by continued  investments in R&D. Our focus on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions aligns with the growing global demand for products that meet stringent global sustainability goals.

Digital transformation is another critical pillar of our growth strategy. By harnessing AI-driven analytics, we can identify emerging market trends, anticipate customer demands, and optimise operational efficiency. In parallel, we are actively pursuing partnerships and collaborations with industry leaders and research institutions to co-develop cutting-edge technologies.

This combination of innovation, digital tools and collaborative efforts positions us to seize new growth opportunities effectively. Additionally, talent development is key to sustaining our competitive edge. We are committed to empowering our workforce through targeted training and development programs, ensuring our team is equipped to meet future challenges and drive success.

How can hiring help companies achieve both stability and growth goals?

Hiring is essential to achieving both stability and growth, ensuring we have the right talent to address today’s needs and tackle tomorrow’s challenges. At KANSAI HELIOS, we focus on building strong, dynamic teams. By investing in the development of our workforce and equipping them with the skills to adapt to an evolving industry, we create a foundation for  consistent performance and operational excellence.

Simultaneously, bringing in fresh expertise is crucial for addressing new challenges and unlocking opportunities. Adding specialists in areas like sustainability, health and safety, and digital transformation strengthens our ability to innovate and respond to evolving market demands.

This balanced approach – nurturing internal talent while strategically recruiting external expertise – positions KANSAI HELIOS to thrive in a competitive landscape. By fostering innovation, boosting resilience, and aligning with market needs, we’re building a team ready to deliver sustainable growth and stability in 2025 and beyond.

If you would like to discuss any of the topics raised in this piece or if you need support with your leadership resourcing strategy, please get in touch with Matt Harman on: matt.harman@beaumontbailey.com.