Kansai Helios announces a change in leadership to further strengthen the Group's strategic direction in the new phase of its development following recent acquisitions in the areas of consolidation, integration, and growth. Bastian Krauss, a long-standing member of the Kansai Helios Group in various positions, most recently as Executive Vice President and Executive Director, will take on the role of President and Executive Director of the Kansai Helios Group effective July 1, 2025. In recent years, Kansai Helios has achieved important milestones, strengthening its position in the global coatings industry while laying the foundation for further development. The group, which has been part of Kansai Paint since 2017, has successfully completed important acquisitions, culminating in the integration of the Weilburger Coatings Group last year. These strategic steps have led to a broader product portfolio, the strengthening of technological expertise, and the expansion of global presence—particularly in the field of industrial coatings. In line with its long-term strategic goals, such as achieving a leading position by 2030 and promoting cooperation within the Kansai Paint Group, Kansai Helios is entering a new phase with an even stronger focus on consolidation, integration, and growth.
As part of this strategic focus, the Group Management Board will also be restructured. The current President and Executive Director, Dietmar Jost, and the current Executive Director, Yoshihiro Tanaka, will assume global leadership roles within the Kansai Paint Group. They will head the strategic segments ACE Coatings (Agriculture, Construction, Earthmoving Machinery) and Rail Vehicle Coatings – Dietmar Jost as Global Head of the segment and Yoshihiro Tanaka as Global Business Director. Current Executive Vice President and Executive Director Bastian Krauss will become President and Executive Director of the Kansai Helios Group. Mitsuru Masunaga, Executive Vice President and Executive Director, and Frank Gläser, Executive Director, will remain in their roles on the newly formed Group Management Board alongside Bastian Krauss.
Autor(en): wi
