Evonik appoints Dr. Gaetano Blanda as new head of Animal Nutrition business line

Essen, Germany. Evonik has appointed Dr. Gaetano Blanda as the new head of the Animal Nutrition business line. Gaetano Blanda, who was previously Senior Vice President and General Manager of Evonik’s Coating Additives business line, will take over the role from Dr. Emmanuel Auer.

Evonik is one of the world’s leading providers of feed ingredients and system solutions for efficient and healthy animal nutrition, with more than 50 years of experience in the livestock sector.

As head of the Animal Nutrition business line, Gaetano Blanda will 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.

Gaetano Blanda brings to the role a strong track record and wealth of experience in digitalization, innovation, and business expansion, having successfully led the development of Evonik’s Coating Additives business line since 2017.

Commenting on his appointment, Gaetano Blanda says: “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.”

Originally from a chemistry background, Gaetano Blanda has extensive knowledge in developing global business based on different business models and is looking forward to building on the company’s portfolio of products and services in the poultry, swine, dairy, and aquaculture industries.

He was awarded a PhD from the University of Wuppertal, Germany, and the French National Centre for Scientific Research, and held a postdoctoral position at the Max Planck Institute. Gaetano Blanda also has a master's degree in marketing from St. Gallen School of Economics and completed an executive management program at the INSEAD Business School.

Gaetano Blanda has more than 20 years of experience in the chemical industry, working in various regions and markets including construction, plastics, textiles, agriculture, adhesives, and sealant. In 2017, he was appointed Senior Vice President, merging the various businesses of Evonik, Air Products Chemical Inc., and J. M. Huber Corporation to form the current Coating Additives business line.