Press Release

Double reinforcement for Meraxis Supervisory Board

Muri b. Bern/Switzerland, May 11, 2022 – Two new members have been appointed to the Supervisory Board of Meraxis AG on May 10, 2022: With Bettina Charrière and Gert-Jan van den Akker, two experienced leaders strengthen the globally operating polymer distributor.

Charrière will primarily support the topics of sales as well as human resources at Meraxis. "Meraxis is a future-oriented company that not only comprehensively serves the current market, but also thinks ahead," says Charrière. "Already today, sales is an exciting task because customers can get everything from raw materials to machines and tools to complementary services from a single source via the one-stop shop. For the future, the range of resource-saving material alternatives will continue to expand, but the focus will also be on innovative digital solutions. To support this sustainable growth of Meraxis, one of my main priorities will be on the further development of the dedicated team."

In the course of her career, Charrière has held various management positions at executive and board level, mainly in energy companies. Among others, she was a member of the Executive Board of the Swiss energy supplier Axpo Power AG, where she was responsible for the expansion of renewable energies. Prior to that, she was Head of Energy Markets and Strategic Sourcing at Holcim AG, one of the world's largest producers of building materials. Charrière also has experience in managing family businesses and setting up companies. For years, she has been actively involved in innovation and start-up promotion. As a coach for Innosuisse, the Swiss agency for innovation promotion, she helps young entrepreneurs bring science-based products and services to market. Charrière graduated in natural sciences and holds an MBA.

Trading expert Gert-Jan van den Akker was appointed to the Supervisory Board as a second new member. The Dutchman will be mainly an advisor to Meraxis on risk management. "Swiss quality and reliability combined with worldwide locations and a reliable network are the best prerequisites for mastering the challenges of our time," says van den Akker. "Meraxis stands by its suppliers and customers as a strong partner in a volatile market. The key is smart risk management along the entire supply chain. More than ever, we need to offer the right strategies, alternatives and digital solutions to successfully counter wildly fluctuating raw material prices or supply shortages." For customers, on-site support and local distribution are a clear advantage in procurement. With its more than 25 locations and broad partner network, Meraxis is very well positioned. “The signs are set for growth, so further markets are also to be expanded inorganically in a targeted manner," adds van den Akker.

Van den Akker has over 30 years of international trading and management experience. During his career, he held various management positions, including at Alvean, the world's leading sugar trader. At Cargill, one of the largest multinational agricultural and food trading companies, he led the agricultural supply chain business for four years as executive vice president. There, he not only established the company's first trading strategy, but was also active as Chief Risk Officer.

In addition to Bettina Charrière and Gert-Jan van den Akker, the Supervisory Board of Meraxis AG continues to include Jobst Wagner (Chairman), Thomas Endres (Vice Chairman) and Dr. Hanns-Peter Ohl. Management is the responsibility of Dr. Stefan Girschik (CEO), Philipp Endres (Deputy CEO), Katrin Volery (CHRO) and Ulrich Litterscheid (CFO).

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Julia Hisge
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