A raft of executive appointments and leadership restructuring in the global lubricants and specialty chemicals industry is strengthening management teams and positioning businesses for growth across distribution, marketing and industrial operations.
Univar Solutions said President and CEO David Jukes will transition to executive chair from July 1, 2026, as part of a wider restructuring plan. The company will reorganize into three customer-focused business segments, each led by its own chief executive officer reporting directly to the board. Robert Craycraft will lead the Chemical Distribution & Services division, which includes base oils and other bulk chemical products, while Nicholas Powell will oversee the Ingredients + Specialties segment covering additives and high-performance lubricant components. Chief Financial Officer Nicholas Alexos will also join the board of directors.
In North America, Liqui Moly USA promoted Eva Tran to vice president of marketing, citing her role in expanding the company’s presence across the United States and Canada. Tran joined the company eight years ago and built its North American marketing department. She also led the launch of Liqui Moly USA’s first domestic warehouse before shifting to a full-time focus on marketing strategy in 2024. The company said Tran will continue leading brand positioning and long-term marketing initiatives alongside CEO Sebastian Zelger.
Meanwhile, Petrovietnam appointed Le Manh Cuong as board member and general director, effective May 18, 2026, as the state-owned energy group advances restructuring and international expansion plans. Cuong previously served as deputy general director of Petrovietnam and earlier led PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation as general director. The company said it aims to enter the Fortune Global 500 by 2030 as it transitions into an integrated industrial and energy group.
In India, Castrol India appointed Anoop Jindal as vice president, B2B Sales — OEM and South Asia, effective June 1, 2026. Jindal, who joined Castrol India in 2005, currently serves as vice president and head of customer excellence and operations. He has held senior positions across OEMs, strategic accounts, sales excellence and customer operations and previously led B2B sales for franchise workshops and heavy-duty segments.