Ketjen Appoints New CEO to Lead Next Growth Phase

André Lanning, an industry veteran, will guide Ketjen through its strategic priorities and operational excellence.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:34pm

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A highly polished, metallic cylindrical object representing a chemical reactor or catalyst, placed on a clean, monochromatic background and dramatically lit to symbolize the technical innovation and precision of Ketjen's products.Ketjen's new CEO André Lanning aims to drive the company's strategic priorities and operational excellence in the catalyst and specialty chemicals industry.Houston Today

Ketjen Corporation, a leader in catalyst and specialty chemicals innovation, has appointed André Lanning as its new Chief Executive Officer. Lanning will succeed retiring CEO Michael J. Simmons and focus on accelerating Ketjen's strategic priorities, driving continued operational excellence, and delivering industry-leading solutions, service, and quality to customers worldwide.

Why it matters

Ketjen is a major player in the catalyst and specialty chemicals industry, serving global customers in 25 markets. Lanning's appointment as CEO signals a new phase of growth and development for the company as it looks to strengthen its market position and deepen relationships with customers and technology partners.

The details

Lanning is an experienced industry leader with 35 years of senior management experience in the chemicals industry, including 10 years in refining catalysts. Most recently, he served as CEO of TFL Ledertechnik, a global leader in leather chemicals, where he set up the company for significant growth. Previously, Lanning served as CEO of Advanced Refining Technologies (ART), a joint venture between WR Grace and Chevron. Throughout his career, Lanning has held senior leadership roles in the Refining Catalysts, Pulp & Paper, Fertilizer and Plastics sectors.

  • Lanning's appointment as Ketjen's new CEO is effective immediately, succeeding the retiring Michael J. Simmons.
  • Ketjen is headquartered in Houston, Texas and serves global customers in 25 markets.

The players

André Lanning

The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Ketjen Corporation, an industry veteran with 35 years of senior management experience in the chemicals industry, including 10 years in refining catalysts.

Michael J. Simmons

The retiring Chief Executive Officer of Ketjen Corporation.

Rahul Sevani

Partner of KPS Capital Partners, LP, the new owner of Ketjen Corporation.

Ketjen Corporation

A leader in catalyst and specialty chemicals innovation, headquartered in Houston, Texas and serving global customers in 25 markets.

KPS Capital Partners, LP

The new owner of Ketjen Corporation, a family of investment funds with approximately $19.1 billion of assets under management.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to welcome André Lanning to Ketjen. André is a proven leader with deep expertise across the chemicals and refining catalyst industries. His track record of driving growth, strengthening operations and building high-performing organizations makes him uniquely suited to lead Ketjen. We are confident he will accelerate the Company's strategic agenda and deepen Ketjen's relationships with customers and technology partners globally.”

— Rahul Sevani, Partner of KPS Capital Partners, LP

“I am honored to join Ketjen at this pivotal time under new ownership. Ketjen has the technology, the people, and the market access to win. The priority now is consistently delivering clear value to our customers through strong execution, expanding our portfolio and strengthening operational performance. At the same time, we will continue to develop market-leading technologies that differentiate us and reinforce our position as a partner of choice. I look forward to working with the team to unlock that potential.”

— André Lanning, Chief Executive Officer, Ketjen Corporation

What’s next

Lanning's immediate priorities will be to accelerate Ketjen's strategic agenda, drive operational excellence, and deepen the company's relationships with customers and technology partners globally.

The takeaway

Ketjen's appointment of industry veteran André Lanning as its new CEO signals a new era of growth and development for the company as it looks to strengthen its market position and deliver innovative solutions to its global customer base under new ownership.