Irfaan Foster

Commercial leader with market growth expertise in specialty chemicals

Brussels Metropolitan Area

About

A transformational leader with a proven business development track record in the specialty chemical industries, with a unique combination of technical expertise and commercial skills. Significant hands-on experience in navigating complex P&L landscapes ($150m). Renowned for a keen analytical mind and a strategic vision, capable of translating cross-functional expertise into exceptional global business results. Self-starter, pro-active with extensive technical and market knowledge of diverse sustainable industrial applications. Passionate about identifying unmet customer needs and leading innovation from inception to commercial launch to consistently deliver sustainable growth. Adept in project management and skilled at steering change, with a reputation for excellent communication and people leadership. Contact me at [email protected] or +32479991965. Business Development – Marketing Strategy – Team Leadership – Innovation – Sustainability – Commercialization – Product Development – Project Management - Self-Starter – Customer Centric – Change Management

Experience

  • Sales Manager at Milliken Chemical
    Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

  • Global Business Development Director at SI Group
    Jan 2019 - Jan 2024 · 5 yrs 1 mo

    Spearheaded the annual EBITDA growth initiatives for plastics and rubber. Formulated and led strategic development initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Directed Global Business Development team in identifying unmet customer technical needs in specialty applications and commercializing innovative solutions. Launched new brand, championing sustainability and circular economy: led process from inception to commercial launch, generating strong new business pipeline. Created new vision, doubling customer engagement and innovation intensity in Global Technical Service team within four months.

  • Addivant USA, LLC (Full-time · 5 yrs 8 mos)
    • Director Business Development
      Feb 2018 - Dec 2018 · 11 mos

      Led innovation portfolio to ensure continuous growth in strategic segments and successful expansion into new markets to drive sustainable business growth. Developed and led a product development strategy resulting in industry-specific solutions which boosted innovation portfolio pipeline by 30% upon maturity. Created M&A portfolio expansion strategy by mapping the complete additive technology space, equipping the M&A team with actionable targets. Amplified lead generation by a factor of three and bolstered the sales funnel by 15% through innovative marketing tools and an iOS app.

    • Business Development Manager
      Mar 2014 - Jan 2018 · 3 yrs 11 mos

      Led strategic marketing function ensuring business growth, value capture and commercialization of new differentiated solutions. Identified unmet market needs and drove development of new technical solutions in specialty downstream markets. Led portfolio management process. Instrumental in a 5X increase in invested capital by implementing business strategy and innovation roadmap for downstream specialty segments. Addressed regulatory challenges in the automotive sector by successfully commercializing replacement solution and ensuring timely adoption by customers.

    • Global Commercial Manager
      May 2013 - Feb 2014 · 10 mos

      Created and implemented sustainable specialty additives business strategy. Analysed and explored market trends & customer needs to identify new opportunities for business growth. Established commercial and pricing policies to help achieve strategic objectives. Led portfolio management process and resource allocation for segment.

  • Chemtura (On-site)
    • Global Business Manager - Specialty Additives
      Jun 2006 - Mar 2013 · 6 yrs 10 mos

      Managed P&L for two specialty additives segments. Identified market opportunities and crafted strategic plans to secure sustainable, long-term growth and operating income. Established pricing, contracting, and customer policies. Led a cross-functional team encompassing sales, marketing, manufacturing, R&D, supply chain, and procurement to achieve strategic annual and long-term goals. Maintained strategic relationships with global accounts to reinforce market positioning, anticipate industry trends, and identify technological opportunities.

    • Global Key Account Manager
      Mar 2003 - May 2006 · 3 yrs 3 mos

      Secured and executed multiple Evergreen contracts with market leading customer, cementing Chemtura's status as a strategic supplier. Negotiated a critical 3-year global contract for specialty additives with Tier 1 multinational customer positioning Chemtura as the preferred supplier. Consistently exceeded customer satisfaction goals through effective communication and a commitment to reliability and service excellence.

  • Regional Account Manager at Uniroyal Chemicals
    Aug 1999 - Mar 2003 · 3 yrs 8 mos

    Responsible for all local and regional customers in UK, Scandinavia, & Middle East. Met assigned sales and growth targets for all specialty plastic additive products. Consistently achieved high customer satisfaction ratings through extensive communication and ensuring high levels of support and service.