Van Sleet takes on new executive role at Evonik Oil Additives USA

Evonik Oil Additives USA Inc. announced Oct. 15 that Richard Van Sleet has been appointed regional president in the Americas. He will retain his current responsibilities as global head of marketing for lubricant additives.

“We are pleased and excited to appoint Richard Van Sleet into this important role in the Americas region,” said Doris Schmidt, senior vice president and general manager of the oil additives business line. “With his extensive knowledge of our business, customers and the industry’s needs, and with our organization on the cusp of an exciting time of change and growth, he was the perfect choice to lead our Americas region to a new level of success.”

Van Sleet has been with the oil additives business line of Evonik for more than 25 years, holding various positions in sales and marketing in the U.S. and Germany.

“This is an exciting time,” Van Sleet said. “I’m honored to have worked for Evonik over the past nearly three decades. Taking on this new role is a challenge that I’m looking forward to, working with our experienced team in the Americas to bring continued success to our customers, business line, employees and shareholders.”

Van Sleet holds a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School, and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The focus on more specialty businesses, customer-oriented innovative prowess and a trustful and performance-oriented corporate culture form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. They are the lever for profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company. Evonik benefits specifically from its customer proximity and leading market positions. Evonik is active in more than 100 countries around the world with more than 32,000 employees. In fiscal 2018, the enterprise generated sales of €13.3 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.15 billion. 

Evonik offers a wide range of additives and synthetic base oils for the lubricant industry under its trademarks of Viscoplex and Viscobase.