Johnson Matthey appoints BASF’s Giovanzana as MD of Catalyst Technologies

Johnson Matthey said on Monday that it has appointed Alberto Giovanzana as managing director of its catalyst technologies division.

Giovanzana joins the group from BASF, where most recently he was senior vice president and head of Global Technology for the €2bn nutrition and health segment. Prior to this, he ran BASF’s plastic additives business in Europe, Middle East and Africa and has also held various marketing and operations roles.

The catalyst technologies arm makes high value specialty catalysts, additives and license process solutions within the methanol, ammonia and hydrogen markets. These help customers in the chemicals and energy industries improve energy efficiency, eliminate or lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce raw materials consumption and increase product longevity, Johnson Matthey said.

"In his new role, Alberto will leverage the deep technical expertise at JM in the field of process catalysts," the company said

"He will drive collaboration with customers to harness the many business opportunities that the energy transition and circular economy are providing. This will significantly contribute towards JM’s vision of a cleaner and healthier world, today and for future generations."