LANXESS has appointed a new head of Corporate Development. Dr. Jens-Christian Blad (39) will assume responsibility for the group function by September 1, 2017, at the latest. He has been with the global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company since 2006, where he is in charge of the Megatrends-supported growth in chemicals initiative and a member of the Chemicals Practice. Following the closing of the acquisition of Chemtura, the current head of Corporate Development, Dr. Markus Eckert (46), has assumed responsibility for the new Urethane Systems business unit. Until his successor begins his new role, Eckert will remain responsible for the group function, in addition to his new role.