Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Jowat SE, a leader in adhesive technology, has announced a significant change in its leadership structure in the Asia-Pacific region. Effective January 1, 2026, Leonhard Ritzhaupt has been appointed as the new Vice President for Asia-Pacific, succeeding Dr. Ralf Schelbach, who is stepping down after more than a decade of dedicated service to the company.
With extensive experience in the chemical industry and global project management, Ritzhaupt’s appointment marks a strategic move as Jowat looks to expand its footprint and drive sustainable growth across the region. His leadership will focus on both the strategic and operational development of Jowat’s business in Asia, aligning with the company’s broader global goals.
Ritzhaupt brings over 20 years of international leadership experience to the role. His expertise spans several sectors within the chemical industry, including plastics processing, paints and coatings, and automotive. Most recently, Ritzhaupt served on the executive board of a prominent manufacturer of adhesive systems and functional surface solutions. There, he led global sales management, strategy development, and major production projects, showcasing his ability to navigate complex global markets.
His leadership and strategic vision have earned him recognition in various industry forums, including as a senator of the Bundesforum Mittelstand, Germany’s federal forum for small and medium enterprises. Additionally, Ritzhaupt has contributed to the industry’s technical development through his involvement in various industry associations.
Dr. Ralf Schelbach, who served as Jowat’s Vice President for Asia-Pacific since 2014, will now transition into a new role within the Jowat Group. During his tenure, Dr. Schelbach played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion across Asia. His leadership saw the successful launch of Jowat’s production site in Dushan and the establishment of numerous sales organizations across Southeast Asia, which have become cornerstones of the company’s success in the region.
Klaus Kullmann, member of Jowat’s Board of Directors, expressed gratitude for Dr. Schelbach’s long-standing contributions: “Dr. Schelbach’s vision and dedication have been instrumental in Jowat’s success in Asia. We thank him for his exceptional leadership and for laying the foundation for the future growth of Jowat in this dynamic region.”
Ritzhaupt has already expressed his enthusiasm for working closely with Jowat’s teams in Asia to continue the company’s momentum in the region. “I look forward to working together with the local team to advance Jowat’s sustainable growth in China and to continue the successful development of the recent years,” said Ritzhaupt in a statement.
Under his leadership, Jowat aims to further strengthen its position in Asia, leveraging his vast experience in managing global investments, market development, and operational excellence. The company’s focus on sustainability and innovation remains at the core of its strategy, as it continues to meet the needs of customers across diverse industries.
As Jowat SE embarks on this new chapter in its journey, the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality adhesive solutions and maintaining strong partnerships across Asia will undoubtedly play a key role in its continued success. With Ritzhaupt’s leadership, Jowat is well-positioned to thrive in the competitive Asia-Pacific market and drive its business forward into the next decade.
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Tags: adhesive systems, Dr. Ralf Schelbach, Jowat, leadership change, Leonhard Ritzhaupt, sustainable growth, Vice President Asia-Pacific
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