Dr Ilham Kadri has been appointed president and CEO of Diversey. 
Dr Kadri will be responsible for establishing Diversey as a standalone business that will encompass several businesses that Bain Capital Private Equity, a global private investment firm, has agreed to purchase from Sealed Air Corporation.
Her appointment will be effective upon the closing of the sale to Bain Capital Private Equity, which is expected in September 2017.
“I am excited by the opportunity that lies ahead to build Diversey as a customer-centric global leader in the hygiene and cleaning industry, and to fully engage our employees on this journey,” said Dr Kadri.
“As a standalone company, we will have additional resources focused on innovative digital solutions and game-changing approaches like the Internet of Clean.”
Dr Kadri joined Sealed Air in early 2013 as the president of the Diversey Care business. Under her leadership, the Diversey Care division has achieved a track record of consistent global growth through a deep customer-centric commitment and cutting edge innovation.
Throughout her career, Dr Kadri has held a variety of global roles in business leadership, sales, marketing and research & development in public and private companies including Shell-LyondellBasell, Cytec, Huntsman, and Rohm Haas-Dow.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, she is a committed advocate for diversity and inclusion. She is the founder and chairwoman of the ISSA Hygieia Network and currently serves as an advisory board member of Catalyst. She has won multiple awards for her business achievements, her commitment to fighting female illiteracy and supporting women in business.
Dr Kadri is a chemical engineer, has a master’s degree in physics and chemistry, and holds a doctorate in polymer reactive extrusion. She also serves on the Board of Directors of A.O. Smith Corporation, a leader in water-heating systems.
“We are looking forward to partnering with Ilham, and welcoming her to the Bain Capital family,” said Ken Hanau, a managing director at Bain Capital Private Equity.
“She has established a track record of leading change and delivering results in a global environment, and we believe Diversey has a bright future with her at its helm.”