Borealis announces new leadership for Pec-Rhin S.A.

Borealis, a leading provider of chemical and innovative plastics solutions and a major player in fertilizers in Central Europe, announces the appointment of Johan Van Grootel as Chairman of the Executive Board of PEC-Rhin S.A. as of February 1, 2012.

Borealis has recently acquired PEC-Rhin (Ottmarsheim, France), a producer of nitrate fertilizers as well as ammonia, ammonia water and nitric acid for industrial use, from GPN. GPN is a 100% subsidiary of Total and a leading European producer of nitrogen-based chemicals.

Johan van Grootel brings with him nearly 30 years of international experience in a variety of primarily technical and managerial positions in the chemicals industry in Europe and the USA, most of which he held within the Borealis group of companies. He has proven competencies and a strong background in operations, marketing, R&D and project management as well as extensive experience in change management and people management. Johan Van Grootel holds a Master’s degree in Electronics & Control Systems from the Hogeschool Antwerpen and is a certified Project Management Professional.

“Johan's background will be very valuable for the ongoing integration process of Pec-Rhin into the Borealis Group,” comments Markku Korvenranta, Borealis Executive Vice President Base Chemicals. “We wish him all the best for his next career step.”