Evonik Announces New Head of Production & Technology

Evonik Oil Additives has named Dr. Chris Gilbert as the new head of production and technology. He steps into his new role effective November 1.

Previously, Dr. Gilbert served as operations director at Evonik’s Multi User Site China (MUSC) for the Performance Polymers Business Unit in Shanghai. In this role, he was responsible for all aspects of production in six plants, including training, quality management, supply chain management and engineering. He also established an innovative quarterly review process unifying various departments, coached teams to reduce production bottlenecks and engaged people to improve processes and procedures.

Gilbert studied chemical engineering in Austin, Texas, USA, and obtained a PhD from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta (USA) before joining Degussa Corporation in Mobile (USA) in 2000 as a Design Process Engineer. In 2003, he moved to the company's hydrogen peroxide operations in the capacity of Plant Engineer and became Assistant Superintendent in CYAD operations in December of the same year. From 2006 to 2010, he acted as Production Superintendent of HCN operations in Mobile. Gilbert has several years of proven experience in coaching and developing people and teams that continuously improve.

In his new role, Dr. Gilbert will be based at Evonik’s Darmstadt, Germany site.

Evonik Oil Additives has taken a leadership role in developing lubricant additive technology designed to improve fuel efficiency and productivity. Energy saving results have been demonstrated with VISCOPLEX® Viscosity Index Improvers (VIIs) in engine oils, driveline fluids and gear oils. Industrial and off-highway equipment field tests have also recorded up to double-digit improvements in fuel savings with DYNAVIS® technology for hydraulic fluids, reducing operating costs as well as CO2 emissions.

Evonik’s VISCOBASE® technology offers an ideal balance between a very shear-stable VII and a synthetic base fluid, providing excellent solvency in automotive gear oil formulations such as heavy duty axle oils and manual transmission fluids. In all of its many applications, Evonik Oil Additives strives for Resource Efficiency.

Formerly known as RohMax, the Evonik Oil Additives business line of Evonik Industries also specializes in high-performance additives and technologies for fuels and refinery products. Evonik’s VISCOPLEX® Cold Flow Improvers (CFIs) provide outstanding flow properties for biofuels in any region or season. VISCOPLEX® dewaxing aids (DWAs) are designed for refinery solvent dewaxing processes that involve differing lube oil viscosity grades, especially bright stocks.

Advanced regional technology centers, modern global manufacturing centers, and a secure and reliable supply chain worldwide enable Evonik’s continuous development of customized solutions for customers anywhere on earth.

Evonik, the creative international industrial group, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. Its activities focus on the key megatrends resource efficiency, health, nutrition and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative strength and integrated technology platforms. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2012 more than 33,000 employees generated sales of around €13.6 billion.