New head of animal nutrition business at Evonik
Evonik has appointed Dr Gaetano Blanda as the new head of its animal nutrition business line.
Previously senior vice president and general manager of Evonik’s coating additives business line, he takes over the role from Dr Emmanuel Auer.
He will now be responsible for overseeing Evonik’s amino acids and functional feed additives business and the expansion of its precision livestock farming approach, which is bringing data- and knowledge-based solutions to the livestock sector.
The company said Blanda brings a strong track record and wealth of experience in digitalization, innovation, and business expansion to the position, having successfully led the development of Evonik’s coating additives business line since 2017.
Originally from a chemistry background, he has extensive knowledge in developing global businesses.
He was awarded a PhD from the University of Wuppertal, Germany, and the French National Centre for Scientific Research, and he held a postdoctoral position at the Max Planck Institute. He also has a master's degree in marketing from St Gallen School of Economics and he completed an executive management program at the INSEAD Business School.
Commenting on his appointment, Blanda said: “I’m delighted to be taking the lead of Evonik’s Animal Nutrition business line, with its great reputation in the animal nutrition and health industry and its relevance for the global food challenge. The world needs innovative solutions for a more sustainable livestock production that is in accordance with food safety, animal welfare, and limited natural resources. I look forward to continuing to build on the great work we’re doing to improve livestock farming holistically.”
