Syensqo Shares Plummet Following Disappointing Results, CEO Succession
Shares of Syensqo experienced a significant drop on the Euronext Brussels and Paris exchanges following the release of weaker-than-expected financial results and news surrounding a leadership transition. The downturn reflects investor concerns about the company’s performance and future growth prospects, highlighting the sensitivity of the market to key financial indicators.
The Belgian specialty chemical firm reported a pretax profit of approximately $395 million for the second quarter, an 8% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. This decline was primarily attributed to lower performance within its specialty polymers business unit, according to company disclosures.
Adding to market pressures, Ilham Kadri, the current president and CEO of Syensqo, is set to step down at the end of this year. She will be succeeded by Mike Radossich, currently president of Syensqo’s Performance and Care and Other Solutions segments. The change in leadership comes after a six-year tenure for Kadri, who also led the company under its previous name, Solvay. Syensqo announced the succession plan on January 1, 2026.
Rosemary Thorne, chair of Syensqo, lauded Kadri’s achievements during her time as CEO in a press release. However, financial analysts have recently questioned Kadri’s ability to drive growth within the firm’s largest business segment. Chemical & Engineering News reported on the leadership change on September 18, 2025.
Kadri’s term as president of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) is also scheduled to conclude at the end of the year. Syensqo has not provided a specific reason for her departure.
The company listed on the #Bel20 Euronext Brussels and Paris, a moment marked by Ilham Kadri and Syensqo’s Vice Chair Françoise de Viron ringing the bell. Kadri shared the moment on LinkedIn, noting the company’s readiness to be an innovation and sustainability leader.
Syensqo, with approximately 13,000 employees worldwide, aims to be a prime innovation partner for its customers, targeting growth that outpaces its end-markets while maintaining best-in-class margins. The company has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
The recent stock performance, coupled with the leadership change, has sparked concerns about a potential “loss of trust” between the company and investors, according to reports. The company’s technology is currently utilized in a significant portion of the electric vehicle market and in nearly all commercial aircraft.
